Any improvements for next year?

[Greenfingeredfun]

I know, I know.. we've not even had this years Christmas yet! But my dh and I were in bed last night saying 'we love Christmas.. but it's such a lot of work'! Next year I'm going to opt out of the work secret santa. I get quite worried at the thought of my recipient looking dissapointed at my gift. It's never happened, but I get so worked up at the thought of not getting it right. Probably not worth the stress! This year I cut back on cards, which was better. I also vow to start a monthly savings plan, so next year is paid for!
Has anyone else thought 'I'm not doing this again' or 'next year I'm going to'?

[SixtyDegreesNorth]

I opted out of SS this year, and next year I will just do it as it was not worth the grief and abuse I got. I simply will not give a shit about trying to please anyone and will likewise not give a shit what I get.

I was deeply upset last year as the person who had me, didn't even bother to bring my gift in on the right day, and the person I had thoughtfully bought for stated to everyone what a thoughtless gift it was.

[Greenfingeredfun]

I had a lovely gift this year, but last year I didn't get it until after Christmas. The year before that I got part of the present and was told 'I've got the other part of your present at home'. I never got it! I just hate it! Everyone takes it in turns to open their gift in front of everyone. It's excruciating! Someone opted out this year and there was a lot of eye rolling that they weren't joining in!

[SatsukiKusakabe]

Your secret santa experiences sound terrible, but I've only ever seen it as a bit of fun, didn't realise people got so invested.

I mean it's work - why should anyone from work get you anything anyway?

I nearly opted out of cards but caved at the last minute. We stoped buying for adults except something small for grandparents or children of friends a couple of years ago and that's been great for everyone I think. I basically buy for my kids, dh and Bruce and nephews, book each for my parents & Fil and that's it.

[SatsukiKusakabe]

I buy for my neice. Bruce doesn't get anything from me.

[Greenfingeredfun]

Poor Bruce

[ClashCityRocker]

Poor Bruce

I'm not doing an online food shop next year. I've spent twice as bloody much as I would doing it in person.

[Chottie]

I'm going to cut down on the cards I send abroad next year. £1.05 is a lot for postage.

This year, I saved throughout the year which really made a difference to the cost.

I finished work a few days before Christmas rather than on Christmas Eve, which has really made a difference to feeling relaxed and ready for Christmas.