Last year DH and I had to move into rented accommodation for most of the year due to a water leak.
This meant Christmas was spent in a sweet cottage (not the rented house DH and I were based in) in Wales - we needed more space to accommodate 3 adult kids + a boyfriend .
Due to the practicalities of transporting gifts for 6 adults we told our adult children we would be doing money. There were token gag gifts to open. We spent a bit more than usual on food and drinks also.
Kids are all doing very well (one doctor, one works for big 4 and another in tech). Not on mega bucks but comfortable and on the right tracks.
Last year on Xmas Eve, after prepping food we ended up having a wonderful time (tipsily) shopping pressies via the online sales. We hooked up the laptop to the tv and it became a group thing. It was fun watching everyone encourage others to spoil themselves/go for it - a lot of teasing as well.
Massive savings were made on good quality stuff - my posh perfume was 70% off!
We have decided to do the same this year as we agreed for the sake of a few days there is no point spending all the extra cash. It was also just a fun time doing it together - hard to explain but I was breathless at times from laughter.
Anyway, I told my sister of the plans (who is quite a bit older - I sometimes feel as if we are different generations ) as she is with us this year. And she really hated the idea and said “oh no, not for me”/“it’ll be a good time for me to take a walk then”.
When I asked her why she felt this way she just gave a very vague response about consumerism. It’s taken the shine off a bit.
What do you think? None of us are religious. Daughter’s boyfriend occasionally goes to church.