So while my dh and I were out of town, our ss class at church decided to plan the annual christmas party. They decided to go to a nice restaurant, which will be like $65 for both of us, and they also want to do a $10 gift swap. If we have to get a babysitter, that will be even more. We are on one income, and I think that is a lot to come up w/for one night out, while we are buying christmas presents and having to buy extra stuff to prepare the holiday meals. Am I becoming a scrooge, or does anyone else think that is a little expensive to have in the month of December?

I think it would have been ok, if you had more advanced notice. We were talking about something of similar expense at our church. A home for the holidays celebration. I think it would have been a catered event. You sponsor a table, and maybe the table would have been like 10 dollars a plate, and then you invite whoever you want to fill your table up with. Each table would be decorated by the person sponsoring it.
Anyway, it was decided it wouldn't be done this year because there wasn't enough time to plan it. So I understand you not wanting to do it, especially if it is not in the budget.
Too bad they coudn't pick something a little more frugal.

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You can lead a man to Congress, but you can't make him think.
-- Milton Berle

sometimes i think others don't always think about other peoples circumstances. i don't think you are being a scrouge i think you are just aware of your finacial situation. i think personally its a bit much but i think the holidays as a whole are getting a bit much.

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Measure wealth not by the things you have, but by the things you have for which you would not take money.

I swear money is needed everywhere in Dec!!!

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Kelly mom to 2 gymmonkeys!!!

Maybe you and another Mom could swap babysitting one night and she can watch yours the night of your party. That would eliminate your daycare cost at least.

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I too think that people who have more money, don't even think about those who might have less to spend. Not saying they do it on purpose, sometimes it just doesn't register.
Here is a fun alternative you can suggest for next time. I remember all the worship team and their families doing a Christmas party one year. We had it at the church. I don't remember how the food was done, probably potluck. We had a lot of different games going(like board games and kareoke).And we did white elephant gifts. And that silly dirty santa game. We didn't call it dirty santa, but I figure the game is just the same. It was really fun.

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You can lead a man to Congress, but you can't make him think.
-- Milton Berle

Obviously the ones that were there to plan the party decided they could afford it but if that was the first time they talked about it I would be upset that they didn't wait another week to consult me. However, if you guys had talked about it before and everyone had time to give their input then I'd say either decide to go or don't. I would hope they wouldn't hold it against you simply because you can't afford it if you choose not to go. Just be honest and tell them that you don't have the funds at this time of year but hopefully next year you'll be able to go.

No you definitely are not becoming a Scrooge, you just have different priorities when it comes to using your hard earned cash. Sometimes people don't realize that you just don't have any extra money to spend on something that isn't a need. There are so many things to buy during the Christmas season, you can't do everything. Sometimes it's hard to swallow your pride and just tell the truth....I just don't have the money to spend on that right now! Don't feel bad about not going.

I don't think you are being a scrooge. I wouldn't want to go and spend all that money. What would be wrong with a potluck? I hate these types of gift exchanges. It is a waste of money IMO.

It's hard to juggle all the expenses during the holidays. I sometimes think that I work 3 quarters of the year saving money, so that I have what I need from Oct. to Dec.

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