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I spent about $100 total on Christmas gifts in 2007, and spent less for 2008. I am spending ZERO from now own. Must fund retirement!
I only bought for the kids and the one exchange gift on my husbands side. This was actually the best holiday season in years.
Stuck to a way smaller budget. I'm in NW and family in MW/South...didn't even see them. Oh well...will this summer.
We purchased $29 bicycles and helments for our three grandsons and two clothing outfits and earrings for our granddaughter. That's it!
We spent very little this year. Instead adopted a kitten headed for the pound 2 days before Christmas. It was a perfect decision.
We are conservative in our spending all year and have always avoided carrying debt so we were able to take advantage great discounts!
We cut back to one exhange gift for each person and did the usual stocking stuffers. It was a great Christmas with less gifts!
I had made a pledge to make the holiday simpler. While I want to help our economy, I need to get make sure my car and home stay current.
My "smaller budget" would seem austere to most Americans. I am proud of shedding the label "consumer" . "Austerity" has become my moniker
We're going to continue using our dollars as votes. When some sanity is restored we'll spend again. (Which means never, I guess!)
I didn't have a choice... everyone says we need to spend to bring the economy back, but I have nothing to spend 8^P
Instead of spending it on my family (who really don't need anything), we spent the amount on needy families in our community.
Sent emails and made calls to tell family and friends that I would not even send cards - donated to Salvation Army and pet rescues.
I bought items for the children in my family. I didn't get anything for the adults.
no gifts this year, just a donation to plant trees in the rain fofest with various family member names.
I opted to treat my savings account with holiday cheer
easier to cut back now that my kids are older, more understanding of tight budgets
I usually spend about $1200. This year I only spent $500-600.
My husband was laid off throughout the holiday season so we had no choice but to cut back.
My 'smaller budget' was <$50.00 compared to my usual $500.00. I work 2 jobs and week-to-week I am still falling behind.
I refuse to play in to the media hype, and therefore contribute, to a recession. Christmas was the same as always .
I've fallen out of love w/ the commercialism of Christmas so I spent the same as last year - nothing - and added to my savings instead !
I didn't buy any gifts.
I lost my Job and couldn;t afford any big gifts
cut everything
I spent about $100 total on Christmas gifts in 2007, and spent less for 2008. I am spending ZERO from now own. Must fund retirement!