Was your Christmas spending and gift giving considerably lower this year?

Yes, my family too. We did a home made Christmas. There were a few bought toys for the kids but the adult things were all home made and everyone loved what they received. I received a pair of knitted mittens from my sons girlfriend, hand made greeting cards (assortment) from my sister and framed photos of my grand kids. It was wonderful.

Re gifting saved the day. I had a relative tell me that i did not have to tell them it was a re gift item and under normal conditions i would not have told it but these are not normal conditions. My relative knew i had no money left to buy gifts with and they were near enough to the same point that i thought it best to tell them so they could not feel guilt over them not buying me a gift.

Yes.

We just organize a family/friends Christmas get together dinner.

Every one enjoys the food and a good conversation.

Probably a bit less. Just what we could afford-no credit cards. Had a good time with family over two days.

The quality of gifts counts, not the price. I spent as much as any Christmas.

Yes. My family did grab bag, but everyone bought for the kids.

It was, but that's ok = )