We visited this topic a few weeks ago and I thought we should update.

We are only doing gifts for children this year in the extended family. This makes it easy since we only have one nephew

Instead of gifts for the adults we are making a donation in their honor to a charity. It can be a formal monetary donation, donation of time, adopting a family for the holidays, etc., just as long as it is in the spirit of the season.

We have approached everyone except DH's father and everyone so far is on board 100%. DH's mother gave us a little trouble, so we decided a token gift is fine if one wants to...it needs to stay at a $10 maximum (although it will probably be more like $20 or more knowing his mom ) It was a nice compromise as his mother loves the hunt for the "perfect gift"...and she is usually dead on in her choices.

How are you ladies progressing in the quest to simplify Christmas this year?

Everyone is in here. Dh talked to his father and he love the idea so now we can start shopping for charities. I can't wait!

Any updates on the other ladies that are trying to simplify Christmas this year?

anyone...

bueller...bueller...bueller...

Boy...talk about a lead balloon...

No, it's a great post. We did. I just feel to sick to talk about it right now .. must go lie down .. will write more later ...

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DH's family prefers to do a "dirty santa" exchange with the adults. I tried to get them to think about everyone just going out to dinner this year, but MIL shot me down before I could even finish!

With my family, I suggested that we just make a limit on what we spend, and my mom was on board with it, I'm sure Grandma and my brother will be too.

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Alicia

Mommy to Aidan 10-21-05 and Rori 7-3-07

What is a "dirty Santa" exchange? It sounds naughty? (not nice)

We do "dirty santa" at work with a $20 limit
and it is the greatest!!! I love it!!
(you get to steal each other's gifts!)
We have a great time without going
for broke!!

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Countdown Clocks

We are going to try our best to get our daughter mostly things she needs like ice skates for lessons, skate tights, skate costume, etc We will also get her a few small toys. Her grandmas will end up giving her tons of toys so we don't have to give her to many. Our littlest angel who will be 5 months old at Christmas will just get a few toys I have already picked her up a few on sale at TJ Maxx (baby blocks, board book and baby farm)

Jen

I have a very large family, I am 1 of 6 and my husband is 1of 4 and I have 11 nieces and nephews. We always buy for the children and we would do a secret santa for the adults, but last year we stopped buying for the adults and just buy for the kids. It worked out great

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I've told Kelsey & THom only 5 things. I told the Santa's elves are really busy and limited it 5 gifts per child. Also, they need to donate 5 toys to other children they may not get to see Santa, this helps me to clean out toys too. Also, I'm doing homemade gifts for my mom and dad, and they are getting us a yearly membership to the Philly zoo. The kids love the animals and with that we can go anytime we like. Keeping it simple this year. Also, when I pull out all the x-mas stuff I'm cleaning out what is broken or not used.