Phrase "Can't afford Christmas"

Interesting question. It would change it, because one part of Christmas tradition has been the exchange of gifts. That said, at the very core of it is time with family, and no gift giving would not change that. One of my favorite times of the year is Thanksgiving, which is all about food, family, and gratitude, not exchanging gifts. When I boil down the two holidays, the only differences are the spiritual aspect and the gift giving.

I don't necessarily agree that "Christmas" is for the masses; that I would call the "Holidays".  Although I do attend Christmas things despite my lack of interest in religion for the sake of getting together with my family and that's what they happen to call it.  They also go to church and do religious things, which I skip.

I agree that Christmas (or Hanukkah, or whatever) doesn't need to be about gift giving.  Those are primarily about observing a religious holiday, but many people do engage in these traditions without the religion element.  It's up to them to chose to change their approach or not partake. 

And I do also think that fun can be had without such expensive gifts!  I definitely feel that people go WAY overboard.  Our family had little money, so our gifts were modest and we still had a good time. In fact, I think I enjoyed my presents more that way. 

Would it change it?  Sure it would, but it wouldn't be the end of the world.  My kids still get a kick out of waking up and finding presents under the tree.  But my guess is that any dissapointment wouldn't last long as they seem to be pretty well aware that they are very fortunate kids.  All in all we have pretty much squeezed all of the fun out of Christmas that we can by the time it arrives......Christmas morning is just icing on the cake......there would still be a hell of alot of cake without the icing.

My wife was talking about something she saw on facebook where people ask relatives to not buy them a present, but spend some time with them in stead.  I thought it was pretty cool.

I think for many Christmas is nothing more than a time where people are "expected" to buy gifts for one another (oh, and hang up lights).  It's kind of sad really because I agree that it misses the meaning of Christmas completely.

THIS.

I would be in favor of moving Christmas more toward a Thanksgiving-type of holiday. A nice meal, time cooking together, relaxing, playing board games or catching a movie or game on TV with family. I've floated the idea of a "no gift" Christmas next year for the adults. 

I like the idea of starting traditions that do not revolve around money or gifts (someone mentioned a pageant - so cute! we did something similar growing up). 

Well my answer is no, nothing would change because more often than not, we don't buy a single thing for Christmas. Well other than nice food I guess.

I think alot of people are trying to float that idea for one reason or another.  My wife and I talked about it last year when a relative made a pitch for no more gifts between adults.  We enjoy giving gifts....and so we do.  I explained to the person who mentioned it that it was perfectly fine with us if no one gave us a gift, but that we enjoyed giving during Christmas and would continue to do so.  She wasn't happy, but I think it was more because she then still felt obligated to get us a gift......even when I told her that we were really good with her not giving gifts if she didn't want to.  For me, I kind of resent being told what I can and can't do or what I should or shouldn't do during the Holidays.  We're giving gifts to whomever we want to for as long as we're able.

I get that. And I think a statement like that is fairly ironic because someone like me who is advocating a "no gift" holiday has felt this way since the beginning of time.

The holiday season is a challenge for those who don't thrive on gift giving or receiving, no matter how you slice it.

I get that too.....I guess the answer is that folks do whatever they are comfortable with.  I think the problem is that there is alot of worry and angst over what someone else will think or do......the older I get the more I realize that's pretty much a dead end....people will do whatever they do, I don't control that.  I'm happy giving......I will continue until I'm not.

Hey Lisa....just out of curiousity.....does your "against it since the beginning of time" include when you were a child, or did you enjoy getting presents at Christmas then?  I'm trying to picture the kid who doesn't want presents at Christmas.

It didn't change all the Whos in Whoville.  Just sayin'.

What I meant was that I've always felt the societal pressure to give and reciprocate gifts. So when you said you didn't like being told what you should/shouldn't do - I don't either, but it's for the opposite reason. I don't like being "told" I should buy everyone a gift just like others don't like being "told" they shouldn't.

I would love it if everyone could *truly* do what they wanted but in reality, that makes a lot of people uncomfortable. 

I found out yesterday that my boyfriend's sister and mother have gotten me gifts already. So now I feel the pressure to get them something as well to be polite. 

See, that's the deal....why?  Who said that being polite means buying someone a gift.  And to your other point, who TOLD you that you had to buy gifts?  I'm not trying to sound ignorant.....but re-reading it may come off that way, not intended at all, there is just no easy way to say it.  I don't buy into the idea that I have to do something just to be polite or to make someone else happy when it comes to giving gifts......it's actually pretty personal IMO and should be considered such.

I like giving gifts..........I don't care at all about getting them, but sure I'm appreciative.  That being said, giving me a gift doesn't mean I'm giving you one....and if that's why you (the collective you) give,  I say don't do it.  It's not really giving if you feel obligated/pressured, so don't do it.  Or......do it and continue to be aggravated at the whole deal.  It's a choice, yeah? 

But IMO it's not right to basically say, "I'm not comfortable so I want everyone to quit it so I can be more comfortable".  That's how it sounds, to me, from folks who want to change the idea of giving during the Holidays.

And then there's a Festivus for the rest of us.

That sounds like a fun celebration!