Doesn't it seem like everytime you cross a name off the list that 2 more are added on? I don't spend extravagant for Xmas and it's always paid by cash (no credit card bill in January... Ya!). DH and I spend about $100 on each other. One year I have my sister&husband and the next year brother&wife (2 x $40). We celebrate at my sister's house and usually get something small for her in-laws (their great people) and brother-in-law (2 x $15). Nieces and nephews (6 x $35). My best friend and husband (2 x $50). Two other friends ($40 & $20) who I started guilt gifting after they gifted me (love the thought but hope to covert them to just gifting an ornament cause we all could stand to limit our spending). Neighbors who always invite us to a great Xmas party each year (deservable $15 plus homemade bread). Couple that is friends with hubby ($20 ... another one that the time has come to stop or convert to just small token). Father passed away this year and not sure what or if to get something for step-mom (we're not really close and if she did get us something it will probably be something she got at a dollar store - not due to lack of money just likes to spend the money on her own kids). You can see that I am lacking enthusiam for a few on my list. I really believe in spending only what I can afford. I really do love finding the perfect present for someone and put lots of time and thought into picking a gift. OTOH ... DH only has to buy for me and his grown daughter. He gets it all done in less than 3 hours! He actually does a pretty good job. Would like for him (just once) though to really put some thought into picking an amazingly special gift (you know not just a great robe but like a Magi gift). Still I count my blessing Xmas morning for having him and our puppies to share my life with.

If I was high risk (i.e. pregnant, toddler, diabetic, etc) I would pass on the home made goodies and either donate money or find something store bought that is probably there. But we all have to be responsible for what we put in our own bodies or that of our children or pets. Just because it is in a restaurant doesn't mean it is clean,. When I was a kid there was a grist mill in our community. They were struggling but they had a quality product. The new health inspector was so proud to site them when he found 'ingredients' spelled wrong on the bag. The actual word 'ingredients' He made them issue a recall on the product. What the......? They went bankrupt every employee, was laid off. (I think there were 7) Now what in the world would that have hurt anyone? I wonder what effect this will have on the food network's call for people to have bake sales for hungry children. I have seen time after time where stupid laws prevented the less fortunate to benefit from something that would otherwise be discarded. In no way do I have any conspiracy theory about the government, but I wonder how many of these laws are really meant to protect the average citizen and how many were generated by lobbyists lining the pockets of those in the position to make laws. Just like those peanut processing facilities in Georgia and Texas. Trust me they were unsanitary a long time before it was brought to light. I would bet my now pathetic 401K on it that people were paid to look the other way. Many laws say this effects businesses with more than so many employees or only if you have this sale more than so many times a year or if you a dollar volume of so much. Bake sales, car washes, block parties, school carnivals, church bake sales, they all help the community and are a way to bond with your neighbors. We used to adopt a resident at a local nursing facility and all year do special things for him. We would cook for them and bring treats that they longed for (as long as it met dietary requirements) no more, governemnt says no.

This all sounds very nice, but it is hard to tell if it is necessary without knowing what time the reception will be and how long these 30 people will be hanging around at the church before the wedding and whether they will be too busy to eat anyway (or otherwise not wanting to mess up makeup and clothes). I also hate to think of you having to deal with shopping, transporting, and setting up even a very informal buffet for 30 when you are so busy. I might avoid anything that has to be refrigerated. I would think that some fruit and maybe some crackers or granola bars or something ought to get people through to the meal if it isn't in the evening. If this has to serve as lunch, sandwiches or yogurt might be good. Please don't have bottled water (unless the water in your area isn't safe) -- for environmental reasons. If you are using a wedding coordinator or know someone who has a lot of experience with weddings at your church, ask him/her for advice on this.

I cut back on gifts and cards years ago, saying that I gave to charities instead ... but I got the receipts, that helped at income tax time. I've been losing more loved ones and friends, recently and realizing how much I value them, am keeping more in contact, but seldom including gifting, and mainly throughout the year. Many approaching seniorhood (whatever that is) are either considering downsizing, or have done it and, having parted with many valued things, have little enthusiasm for giving houseroom to some new thing for which they feel that they have little need - or want. Many prefer time with the loved one, instead. Gave brother a cheque for their fiftieth wedding anniv. ... and the cancer support agency that he dealt with for prostate cancer about ten years ago sent me a receipt, so I sent it back, asking that they send it to brother, as he pays more income tax than I do: mine is minimal, mainly due to financial management and substantial charitable, church and political giving. ole joyful