tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post5199668732774219133..comments2023-10-25T01:28:45.644-07:00Comments on Sunny Simple Life: Frugal Challenge - Cash Only ChristmasUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-86666497495696256562012-12-26T19:03:49.220-08:002012-12-26T19:03:49.220-08:00I only do cash too. I don't have a lot to do ...I only do cash too. I don't have a lot to do so I spread it out starting in September for small gifts and ending with the cash gifts over the weeks up till Christmas. I also bake for a lot of my gifts. That's all they get, but they love it and look forward to it, so it works. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17525742759883211936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-34493732504730013452012-12-25T16:07:35.280-08:002012-12-25T16:07:35.280-08:00We've used cash for years now -- it's the ...We've used cash for years now -- it's the only way to go. We do not buy for our adult children any more, and we set a strict rule several years ago that they were not to buy presents for us -- Christmas, Mother's or Father's Day, etc. We buy for our six grandchildren. Once in awhile, we will splurge on something for our children's families. It just feels so much better at our Christmas Family Celebration to not have the room flooded with gifts. We enjoy each other's company, play games, share great food and just have fun together. It certainly doesn't have to be a drain on the wallet!An Oasis in the Deserthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03775583025686145582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-65801680699311521222012-12-24T08:35:10.825-08:002012-12-24T08:35:10.825-08:00Well done! We are budgeters here too and not into ...Well done! We are budgeters here too and not into the commercialism of Christmas. I find it all a bit to vulgar. It is hard at times seeing what other kids get - but then I look at how real our kids understand money. We focus on making memories.<br />Have a lovely Christmas.<br />Love LeanneMandaBurms FarmStay for Cats.https://www.blogger.com/profile/08870013164376041080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-261740524368339342012-12-22T07:18:09.811-08:002012-12-22T07:18:09.811-08:00Smart cookie you are. We in fact do cash only as ...Smart cookie you are. We in fact do cash only as well. I have to because I have been saving every penny for our trip to Dublin coming up in the Spring. Not only was a cash it was a very light Christmas, which is great by my boys, they did not want for much. Merry Christmas to you and your family Elaine!Debbiedooshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18206855970605853635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-73045718819678328802012-12-22T05:23:34.948-08:002012-12-22T05:23:34.948-08:00What practical steps do you take to help your chil...What practical steps do you take to help your children be thankful for what they do have? It's hard swimming up stream and one child in particular struggles with comparison and ingratitude. Thanks for your insights. I too look forward to hearing about your new budget plans.Lindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16081701850128310222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-82391787788725717262012-12-22T04:46:26.011-08:002012-12-22T04:46:26.011-08:00Good for you!!! I only do cash, too and I feel so ...Good for you!!! I only do cash, too and I feel so much better for it. We have made Christmas giving simpler and we are all happier for it. Takes away the stress and allows us to just enjoy Christmas.<br /><br />Hugs,<br />LauraSImple and Serene Livinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-87726761552243804572012-12-21T23:42:01.341-08:002012-12-21T23:42:01.341-08:00Sticking to a cash only Christmas has been a chall...Sticking to a cash only Christmas has been a challenge since I acquired 5 more grandkids 2 yrs. ago. But, the original 2 grands were very understanding about my cutting back and this year all the kids have asked for things I make. Good for you!Maureen Wyatthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03717877610585066150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-33918534436982697322012-12-21T18:13:19.940-08:002012-12-21T18:13:19.940-08:00We pay cash for our Christmas gifts, too. Granted,...We pay cash for our Christmas gifts, too. Granted, we only have one "child" (college student) to buy for, and then I have two nieces and a few friends I buy for, but that's it. Oh - and hubby and I exchange a few gifts. Our extended family gave up on exchanging gifts a few years ago when Phil (my oldest son) passed away. <br /><br />If you have any tips on how to save on college tuition, that would be greatly appreciated. My son is just now finishing up jr. college (which we were able to afford out-right), but he'll be transferring on to university in August and so far, we're looking at some pretty hefty loans.Melaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08659968511488397366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-89367584095667199972012-12-21T15:33:40.765-08:002012-12-21T15:33:40.765-08:00Elaine, this is a great post! We have always bough...Elaine, this is a great post! We have always bought Christmas with cash, but we have always had to budget through the year to do that. Last year we had money left over after Christmas and we put that on a relative's medical bills. This year we are the ones with medical bills. Our grown sons asked that we cut out gift giving for next year. We agree and will just focus on time together.Lottiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16966797619528997912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-67583283003054492542012-12-21T14:41:34.423-08:002012-12-21T14:41:34.423-08:00So many true statements were mentioned and such a ...So many true statements were mentioned and such a great post. I do shop after and during the year, trying to find the best deal on the needed/wanted item and only ones that I know will be used. Everything going on, it's scary.<br />Thanks for sharing“Old World Goodies”https://www.blogger.com/profile/13667941474993713243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-4365473751023923502012-12-21T13:45:32.562-08:002012-12-21T13:45:32.562-08:00love new blog look. great post. i really can not w...love new blog look. great post. i really can not wait to see what the family plan is ... you have gotten me curious. ha. ha!! been baking all day. another day tomorrow. but i so love it. i enjoy cooking. big hugs. ( :Elizabeth Edwardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06646711693473956020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-38605780761205334382012-12-21T12:09:11.551-08:002012-12-21T12:09:11.551-08:00Our thinking this year has changed definitely for ...Our thinking this year has changed definitely for Christmas! We have very fortunate girls. This year they are getting what they "need" brakes on the car, cash so she can go to Florida with a friend. Those sorts of things! And just a few little things to actually open under the tree. With both Grandma's gone now, Christmas has taken on a new meaning. One of being Happy with spending time with the ones we love! Is there any better gift then that anyway? Lisa~A Cottage To Mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10292883666058375974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-76826426481570727572012-12-21T12:04:50.621-08:002012-12-21T12:04:50.621-08:00PS - Almost forgot to say - I love the new header!...PS - Almost forgot to say - I love the new header! :)Our Neck of the Woodshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00796487269192271170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-80308232496503703112012-12-21T12:04:09.111-08:002012-12-21T12:04:09.111-08:00We don't have kids and don't get each othe...We don't have kids and don't get each other large gifts, so we can keep our Christmas spending to a minimum. We do a name exchange with our families then we all buy the kids a small gift so it is manageable. <br /><br />I really like your approach to gift giving. I always feel bad for the people who put gifts on credit cards then have to pay them off all year long. <br /><br />Best of luck with the budget! We need to revise ours for the coming year as well.Our Neck of the Woodshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00796487269192271170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-43230702965139269462012-12-21T11:50:56.355-08:002012-12-21T11:50:56.355-08:00I just read on a news site not too long ago that t...I just read on a news site not too long ago that the Cliff is just part ot it...there's a Farm Bill that is hanging and milk prices could double if things are not solved soon.<br /><br />You are a wise mom....children that get too much too fast all at once do not appreciate it <br /><br />My sister and I cut out exchanging years ago...we just focus on the kids and our expenses are more geared around the Christmas dinner food ( after our children's gifts of course ) Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com https://www.blogger.com/profile/11413815687204893512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-2570052232158405932012-12-21T11:50:55.598-08:002012-12-21T11:50:55.598-08:00I just read on a news site not too long ago that t...I just read on a news site not too long ago that the Cliff is just part ot it...there's a Farm Bill that is hanging and milk prices could double if things are not solved soon.<br /><br />You are a wise mom....children that get too much too fast all at once do not appreciate it <br /><br />My sister and I cut out exchanging years ago...we just focus on the kids and our expenses are more geared around the Christmas dinner food ( after our children's gifts of course ) Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com https://www.blogger.com/profile/11413815687204893512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-66214266951092102822012-12-21T11:19:20.404-08:002012-12-21T11:19:20.404-08:00We never charge anything. Haven't for a long ...We never charge anything. Haven't for a long long time. I am very afraid of what the government may be handing to us next year. <br /><br />GardenOfDaisieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03110646840082802721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-48907894048033915762012-12-21T10:25:08.967-08:002012-12-21T10:25:08.967-08:00Elaine - Good post. I do Christmas gift buying in...Elaine - Good post. I do Christmas gift buying in the summer. Strange, I know! But, I find that if I do that I don't have all of the hassle of buying and stressing out over the holidays. Also, I enjoy getting out in the crowds without the pressure of having to look for something. <br /><br />I do pick up some things at the last minute but generally, everything is done by Sept 1.<br />And I really am not an organized person, ask Brenda. ha<br /><br />Merry Christmas to you and yours.<br /><br />Judy20 North Orahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09215328045988219360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-18107143326847288282012-12-21T10:17:15.026-08:002012-12-21T10:17:15.026-08:00Amen, Elaine. Same here for us. We are cash only...Amen, Elaine. Same here for us. We are cash only and we feel the same about the kids buying their own things. Our budget keeps getting slimmer and slimmer. We have to constantly sit down and hammer it out to "stay on the same page". <br /><br />Excellent post and advice!<br /><br />Merry Christmas!<br />Tammy Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~https://www.blogger.com/profile/15357964198971943168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-42810101987043067092012-12-21T08:55:57.331-08:002012-12-21T08:55:57.331-08:00I have really gotten burned out on the commerciali...I have really gotten burned out on the commercialism of christmas. I used to work retail and I know what an illusion "sales" really are. I told all our adult girls that they would get home-made gifts and stocking stuffers this year, and that was it. They were fine with it. They are having their own tough times paying their student loans and being under-employed. My husband's family always did a gft exchange after the kids were 18, that way no one had to buy gifts for everyone, just one. Made sense to me! We're also trying to take the emphasis off gift giving and more spending time together. And it's cash only.<br />Happy Solstice!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00576053785355324560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-66493724264535430702012-12-21T08:36:55.735-08:002012-12-21T08:36:55.735-08:00I can so relate to you about everything going up a...I can so relate to you about everything going up and income staying stagnant, My husband and I have no children so we don't have any to buy for but when I was growing up I was raised as you are raising your children. If you want something you have to save for it and when you got older you had to work for it.<br />My income is limited and fixed an like you, with gas an groceries going up as they have my husband and i are not exchanging gifts this year..Congratulations on an all cash Christmas! not an easy task but you did it! :)<br />Merry Christmas! <br />RobynRobynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10290535091183945602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-67316783436678696982012-12-21T08:13:15.892-08:002012-12-21T08:13:15.892-08:00Bonjour,
J'ai eu également 4 enfants et j'...Bonjour,<br />J'ai eu également 4 enfants et j'ai toujours jongler raisonnablement afin qu'ils aient un noël... peut-être pas similaire à certains de leurs camarades, mais un petit présent à la hauteur de mon budget. Je ne pense pas qu'ils ont eu à en souffrir... L'essentiel était que nous soyons réunis et que nous puissions passer de bons moments ensemble autour de la table...<br /><br />Je vous souhaite d'excellentes fêtes. Gros bisous.martinealisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04055152925986659065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-43168667623909375032012-12-21T08:13:05.394-08:002012-12-21T08:13:05.394-08:00Well said Elaine. : )Well said Elaine. : )Farm Road Quiltshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06923938097898416804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-13756547791165234122012-12-21T08:09:23.921-08:002012-12-21T08:09:23.921-08:00Excellent post my friend! Like you, we have done ...Excellent post my friend! Like you, we have done our Christmas spending only cash. Most of which was earned by my hand mades business. We set a budget, and stick to it. <br />And it feels goooood!!!<br />Merry Christmas Elaine. I hope to see you soon.<br />Love,<br />KrisKrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15578853096888320012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504547252988171727.post-45118974574218438712012-12-21T08:07:50.733-08:002012-12-21T08:07:50.733-08:00We have been cash only for Christmas for about 10 ...We have been cash only for Christmas for about 10 years... and it is the best feeling. Owing on things you can't even remember really stinks. We have scaled back our Christmases though and we still enjoy them so much...<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Amy Josunnyskiesandsweetteahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05411963709035869592noreply@blogger.com