Anyone else managed to cut down?

[SaucyPot]

I'm feeling pleased with myself for finally growing a backbone, but it is still a work in progress. There is more work to be done next year.

I've managed to cut Christmas down and change emphasis a bit including:

I've not bought any useless tat for my DC. There is usually a bit in there.

I have used up all my bits of wrapping paper whether Christmas or birthday and now have no crap lying around.

I have cut down my side to buying for my parents and small DC only.

DH's side are more tricky and have pushed back loads in the past when I have tried to reign it in. There are no small DC his side and the spoiltadults expect decent presents. This year I have said no, I am not doing it. DH's parents yes, but everyone else is getting a bottle of wine or box of chocolates. This hasn't gone down well and there will be some bad feeling but I just don't care anymore. DH would just buy whatever they say and leave us broke so I have had to do it.

This one still needs work. We are hosting Christmas again for the umpteenth time but have been very clear that this is our last time for a while and other people need to have their turn. I'm off the hook for a couple of years after this.

It's not all cut down though. I have bought things for our local homeless shelter, am giving to my home town local food bank project and there are a couple of people I want to buy something for who deserve a treat, not rellies. For me, this is what Christmas is about and this is where I feel joy. Instead of spending money on adults who have everything, I'd rather give it to someone who needs it.

How have you changed it up?

That sounds really great!

I’ve been trying for a few years and am mostly moving in the right direction. The dc are my weak point as their pile of toys just grows inexplicably. It’s more that I put anything I buy into the Christmas pile from September onwards and apart from the one ghastly thing they ask from Santa, it’s all useful and wanted, but still too much! And this year they haven’t even asked for anything too objectionable!

I’ve cut back on decorations but on the other hand I’m fussier about getting them just right so I’ve ended up crafting and sewing a bit more than I’ve really time for.

And I swore last year I wouldn’t be baking gifts but I’ve had several requests and I’m a people pleaser.

Work in progress!

I've cut down on toys, DC ask for toys every year and they hardly get played with! Last year it was huge hot wheels garages and racing tracks and I can count on one hand how often they've been played with, they're currently been gathering dust in the loft since April! Also a Fortnite battle bus that also has only been played with a handful of times. His year I've only bought things I know that'll get used and things I know they'll play with. For example, this year DS1 asked for boxing gloves, he's never boxed in his life, has no interest in joining a boxing class, they'll end up discarded under his bed come January. He's not getting them. They've had lovely gifts, DS1 wanted a new TV so bought him a much bigger one than he's expecting thanks to black Friday sales and a gaming chair and DS2 got the tablet he wanted and a hover board which will be a surprise gift. No plastic tat or useless toys.

I think I have, not sure if I have spent less but I have bought less. Have also stopped buying for some adults (the ones that never gift back and never buy for my dc’s). My dc’s have less to open but better quality and things they will use rather than things that will clutter up the house. I’m really looking forward to Christmas Day as I’m sure they will be happy with what I have got them.

I have also selected things that have less packaging and have put relatives gifts in gift bags rather than loads of wrapping paper.

We had pre Christmas dinner in November as my son joined the military this week

We all agreed Christmas dinner was a big faff and we all prefer Boxing Day dinner so that's what we're having on 25 Dec

We've spent more on presents for the children this year, but they aren't toys. The main present is camping equipment. It will (fingers crossed) last for years. Other than that, DD1 has a watch, a pile of books from the second hand book shop (she gets through them quickly) and a cookbook. DD2 has a clock (with numbers), some Cubs equipment and a drawing book. They are sharing a box of baking stuff. That plus stocking is about £150 each, which is a lot more than last year. But it's all useful and stuff they want.

I have stuck strictly to a list for the first time this year for my DC. In previous years I’ve always bought way more than what’s on the list and it doesn’t all get played with enough. I usually buy extra bits spread out over a few months and then don’t realise how much extra I’ve actually got until it comes time to wrap everything and then I’m annoyed with myself. So was determined not to fall into that trap this year.

Have not bought any extra decorations at all. Have used all the ones I’ve already got and have got rid of stuff I don’t use rather than hoarding it for next year only to not use it anyway.

Have bought some new tree lights and also three tree decs from a local independent shop. I’ve tried to buy as much as I can locally. We only buy gifts for each other and adult DS and DIL. I’ve tried to give them things that they can eat or use. Their main gift will be money to spend on either takeaways or meals out, whichever is permitted and they are comfortable with. This has worked well for the last two years.

DH and I will be on our own on Christmas Day, so we’ll be having a simplified roast and I’m looking forward to it. I will be donating groceries for those who need. TBH, we have had a dreadful year due to flood damage and related reinstatement work on the house, and could do with the rest.