Mustachian Christmas

[daynermouse]

First post! Whoop Whoop!

My husband and I are in the process of converting our lifestyle to what we have seen here on this site. We are already pretty frugal, but do have some student loan and credit card debt we are chipping away at. With the holidays approaching we are wondering exactly what stance to take on gifts for our family (kids age 12 and 6) and friends. Last year we had the kids choose 5 things they wanted/needed and that seemed to work okay, but we still spent $$. I baked treats for our friends instead of giving gifts, and that was well received, as well. How do you other stachians handle holiday giving, especially with kids?

[Mr.Tako]

My second blog post was about this very topic:  http://www.mrtakoescapes.com/2015/12/16/free-holiday-ideas-to-avoid-capitalist-christmas/

Basically, the world is filled with abundance!  People just don't see all the opportunities to do things cheaply.

Yes, you CAN spend money, and it's easy.  But doing things a little different actually isn't that much harder!

[ender]

You don't have any money.

Any gifts you have will be financed at whatever rate your credit cards are at currently (20%? 15%? 25? I don't know).

The solution is setting a budget, per person and per Christmas, and then not. going. over. No matter what. No matter how perfect X is for your kid or friend. You don't go over the budget. Period.

[redbird]

I don't. Not anymore. I'm not a religious person and the shopping thing only stresses me out. I realized how pointless Christmas has always felt to me. I have not given any Christmas gifts to anyone for several years now. This was explained to friends and family and they understand. Some were actually relieved and joined in with the idea. Others still insist on giving stuff (mainly the generous, kind in-laws), but they don't expect anything in return fortunately.

[Mr.Tako]

Hey, great job on the post and the blog!  I've been contemplating whether I'll write a blog and I like your reasons.  I really want my kids to reach FI long before I do....and now that I know what I do I realize it's fairly straight forward. 

On gifts, I'm considering buying some used stuff this year.  My kids are completely okay with used.  I now buy stuff on CL regularly and they could care less.  I recently bought some clothes for them from a thrift store and they could care less.  Bought myself a hat too so I guess I'm 'modeling the way'. 

I'm not much of a gifty person so I don't buy for any friends but not because of money.  I think it makes sense to set reasonable spending amounts and resist the pressure that you have to blow your brains out to show your love. 

Kids really don't know a big difference if you start early with this method.

Hey, thanks FIRE_at_45! 

One thing we uphold in our household is teaching by example.  I get used stuff, and the kids get used stuff too.  Nobody gets treated differently, and the kids don't even notice.