Sounds like a nice plan go for it!!

That is terrific! Realistically, our grandson has long since been spoiled, and we were among the spoilers. I think he would be disappointed at first, but polite, and hopefully see the value as time goes by. Your idea is something our family should have done from the start.

Thanks guys that is what I thought. With Dan teaching and me staying at home money is always tight, so most of the kids clothes come from goodwill or garage sales, so for them having the latest and greatest isn't like them. I also do a lot of gardening, canning, baking and crafts and the kids are always there helping me so the love to make things for teachers, friends and family.

Stacie

I think it's a great idea for you but I would hate to be forced to do it. Truthfully there's a reason I buy the presents verses making the presents. I just don't have the time or desire right now. I think I'd present it more as an option than as a demand for everyone. I would love to get a homemade gift if you wouldn't mind getting a store bought gift.

I to have 5 siblings and each of them have 3-5 kids, way too costly. My mom and I used to buy for all the kids and their parents when we were single. It was allot of money. Since we are both married now and I also have inlaws and more kids I now do a family calendar. With so many people its hard to remember all the birthdays. I usually add a photo on the dates of each birthday, anniversary and for those we've lost, I mark that day with a dove or other special sign recognizing that child/adult. Everyone looks forward to that calendar. Very inexpensive but it works.

Like your idea!

Have fun! We used to do that when my kids were little. My kids really enjoyed it.

It's a great idea--either that or quit buying for all your siblings and their spouses. I have 6 siblings and we've never bought everyone a gift. We used to draw names--adults drew an adult name, and kids drew kids. We had a $15 cap on spending (back when $15 would buy something).

I would've been so happy when my mother was alive if she'd gifted me with her home canned green beans, applesauce and chili sauce. So good!

Surely your holidays will be less stressful without trying to think of gifts for so many people. 13 grandkids alone blows my mind!

Come back and tell us how you're coming along with your projects--and have fun!

It's a very good idea! Much the way we did things
when our children were small. Now the children are
raised and we now have grandchildren and great
nieces and nephews. The kids draw names for the little
ones and the adults have a white elephant exchange.
And it is a riot! We have so much fun with it, we
even actually have a white elephant that is one of the
gifts that is always carried over from year to year!

I think it sounds like a nice idea... as long as no one thinks that you are trying to tell them what they can give to who. Gift giving is about the thought but it generally needs to be the thought of the giver not someone else :-)

If my family decided not to give any gifts, I would prefer to collect gifts (or make them) for a family in need or for a shelter. And, honestly, I would want to be able to give my nieces and nephews gifts. I'm not talented at making items, except maybe food and most food items I give out cost more than other gifts I give out. Even if someone told me not to buy store gifts for Christmas for my nieces and nephews (unless it was their parents), I would still do it. After I put a lot and lot of "thought" into it, I would know they would just not enjoy a homemade gift from me :-)

I think whatever you want to give and do for your family is fine --that thought comes from you. But some people may already have their shopping done, may not have supplies like you do, and/or may even find it cheaper to buy gifts on sale than to make them.

I think if you need to limit gift giving.. pulling names or cutting adults out may be a better option. Little kids are just not going to get it. You don't need to spoil them with a new XBOX, but an Elmo doll or $5 game from Big Lots will probably be enough to keep them happy. Right or wrong, I just don't suspect little kids are going to be happy with a bunch of homemade items on Christmas.

That sounds perfect. I despised it when I was forced to buy things for people, I don't think Christmas should be about how much one spends, but how much one spends with the people they love. We are doing the same thing sans the crafty part, my mom, sister and I will go get pedicures and my husband and sister's husband will go play golf. My dad has been given a list of things to fix around our houses which makes him happier than any gift.

Too many people place a dollar value on Christmas. You are making it what it should be.