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We downsized many years ago. Our gift list had grown to over 30 and when the kids came, that was impossible, so we no longer buy for our siblings and friends, only our parents and nieces and nephews.
I downsized further about two years ago by giving what I do-photographs or art. The parents got portraits of our kids; I did portraits for two of our nephews and their families, then gave them prints.
I design my own cards every year and print them at home.
The gift that got the best reaction was when I was out of work-I couldn't afford anything so I made cookies, got tins at the dollar store then filled them with the cookies and some random candy bars and gave those to the nephews and niece. You'd think they'd gotten a fistful of cash!
From the very first Christmas, my kids have gotten no more than three gifts and a few "practical" stocking stuffers. Some called us cheapskates over that, but my kids have never minded it and what they got was special(like Daniel's piano last year). I have a real issue with kids getting so many things that nothing matters except how many gifts they got.
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Don't blame me. I didn't vote for either of'em.
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