Stopping Christmas gift overload

[NorthernLight]

Years (ok decades) before I quit doing Christmas, my older sister was on welfare, the elks lodge got her name and asked her how many children does she have and how old.

Geeze, they gave her enough gifts that she celebrated with the children getting 4 toys, then three at their birthdays and then the next Christmas they got 3 more.

While my sister appreciated it, she was a tad overcome with the amount.

At least she expected it!

Last year, a week before Christmas, I saw a fire truck in front of my building. I thought either the building was on fire or someone was having a medical emergency.

A few seconds later there was a knock at the door. I called, "Who is it?" No answer.

Another knock, and giggling. I was getting scared, so I didn't say anything.

Then there was a camera flash, and I heard, "Open the door!" I said I wasn't opening the door because I didn't know what was going on.

Long story short, it was Santa Claus and four women (no idea why they were there). I refused to open the door until they promised not to take photos.

I got a bunch of stuff I didn't need, and I was generally pretty upset. I immediately phoned the fire department and asked to be taken off the list. I hope I stay off the list!

 

[911]

I leave the shopping to my wife and daughter. I buy gift cards for a few people that did me favors over the years, but other than that, they take care of the rest. On Christmas morning, I am surprised as the people opening the gifts. I never see or hear what they buy for our family and friends.

 

[Sassycakes]

I must be crazy, but I love buying gifts. I have 2 children and 3 Grandkids 2 of them have girlfriends. I have one sister who has 4 children all grown up and 3 grandchildren. I have already gotten their gifts. It wouldn't be Christmas without buying gifts for my loved ones.

 

[hearlady]

I am done. It was hard to pick a gift for the two granddaughters. We do a family gift but they have to have things to open.
We ended up with 12" Superheros. Captain Marvel and Buzz Lightyear.

 

[Been There]

One of the older men in our Wednesday night poker club must have more money than brains. He told us he gives each of his 5 grandchildren $5000 each Christmas. I asked him if he thinks they spend it wisely or do they save it. He told us he didn’t care if they flushed it down the toilet. Another man told him he was a fool for having that attitude and that started a big argument between the 2 men.

 

[hearlady]

We were better, or should I say, I was better this year. Paring down slowly but surely.