Those that hate handmade stuff

Nothing. I wouldn't want someone to struggle to get money together to buy me something.

My brother was out of work last Christmas and he didn't buy anyone anything and it was just fine.

Nothing.

Few years ago, my sister and BIL were really in a bad financial position, so we all told them not to get us anything.

They ignored that, and got me some vinyl records from a car boot sale, which was fab, but I wasn't expecting anything.

I hate the thought of people struggling to buy me something.

You see that really isn't the impression I get from people. It really does feel that there is an expectation that you will get people 'something'.

I wouldn't 'expect' anything. If my family and friends knew I was in trouble, I wouldn't feel bad not giving either. I've previously given 'vouchers' as gifts, as a preference over bought gifts, for things like 'a night of babysitting' and so on.

There have been Christmases where we have been really struggling for money. We let everyone know that as much as we'd love to buy them a gift we just couldn't afford it. Everyone was completely understanding and we didn't feel judged at all! Maybe they did behind our back! Ha. I honestly don't think they did though.

We only buy for immediate family anyway though.

The people that dont understand or still expect something are quite often the people that wouldnt be happy/like their present anyway! (Thinking of my MIL here)

One year we explain we were thinking about filling for bankruptcy and couldnt get her anything and she just looked at us like it was an excuse not to buy her something? then year before last now that times have changed and to repay the crappy xmas, we brought her a new computer for xmas and she said it was lovely but thought we would have gotten her lasik eye surgery.?

So the point of that ramble was... look after yourself and give kids a kickass christmas. Christmas is for kids sod the adults they can get over it.

Nothing. I'd prefer to spend time with them as we could still do something nice.

a few years ago hs mate was skint one Xmas and we ended up spending a Saturday together and went sledging, didnt cost us anything, I'd rather something like that rather than some sort of chutney.

Nothing.

i buy gifts for a family that don't get for us. I know they don't feel bad, we've had a conversation about it.

My mums said she's skint this year, she's only buying for the children. Perfect. Could you do similar?

Nothing- id rather spend the day doing fun stuff like cherry pie said rather than waste money on something you wont use/like anyhow- like ck said - sod the adults ?

We are doing a £10 per adult budget this year and then spending more on the kids. No one has minded, they know we are buying a house as soon as we find one we like so need to be a bit careful with what we spend.

We are also getting the kids to make home-made biscuits. therefore home-made becomes cute as its from small people!

I don't expect or want anything. as it stands in our circle or friends and family we only bug for the kids.

I wouldn't expect anything. I'd much rather just go out for a meal or have a get together with friends and family rather than buying/receiving a present that, let's face it, nobody really wants and if I did, I'd buy it myself.

I wouldn't expect anything at all. My son hasn't bought me a Christmas present for years. it matter not one iota - he's still my son and I love him just as much.

But if they really must, then homemade food of the cake-type variety is always acceptable!

P i hope i haven't made you question your friends. they are your mates and you know them we are such a different mix on here plus its clear im in the minority in not liking the homemade stuff.

I'm questioning everything - I've got no idea about anythign that is going on around me... and to top it off I've fecked up my chili jam I potted it too soon and it hasn't set ebcause of it.

Oh they'll love it! I'm doing hampers too for family. Was it nigellas chilli jam? How long did you leave it? Cos mine was quite liquidy and it was only the next day it had formed up properly.