Wow am I the only one that feels like your parents are being jerks about Christmas? I feel bad for you so please don't flame me. My mom never wants us to get her anything and helps us (sister and me) whenever we need it. She always told me that it's just not worth it to bankrupt yourself for one day a year. Both my parents are very frugal and even though my dad is a complete @**, when he and I did have a relationship he would always tell me not to get him or his wife anything for Christmas and his wife would give me affordable suggestions for a present for my 1/2 brother.

On the other hand my mil is very demanding about presents. She has the delusion that my dh and I are secretly rich (because my dad is) and thinks that she should get some extravagant present from us. Last year I made her a nice gift basket and she just looked at it and put it to a side, until I told her that there was a check in the envelope. I figured she was going to just give the basket to someone else the way she looked at it. This has been going on for 9 years now and I'm getting tired of it.

Your parents should try to understand that you're trying to raise your family on a tight budget and you don't have the money to waste right now. I hope it all works out for you.

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Our house is clean enough to be healthy, and dirty enough to be happy. ~Author Unknown

I would get the $10 book, and if you can find a used copy of the other one, get it. But if you can't just explain that your financial situation has changed and you are having to cut down this year. My in-laws used to spend a ton on us at christmas, but my fil retired this year, and my mil quit her job to take care of our grandmother who had a stroke. Now that they are one income, they are having to cut back on Christmas just like us. I think that your family needs to be more understanding, I hate to be rude, but I don't like the fact that your dad made a list and handed it to you, expecting something. That's not what Christmas is about, and you should not feel obligated to purchase a certain gift.

Personally, I find it offensive when people "ask" for certain things as gifts. Gifts are chosen by the buyer and should be appreciated by the recipient no matter what it is. If your father is telling you what to buy him, it is no longer a gift. If he wants that particular book, he should buy it himself. It's a different story if "you" asked him what he would like. If my father acted like that, I would find his behavior rude and inconsiderate.

However, even though I am frugal when buying gifts, when it comes to my special people in my life, I might take the extra time to find a gift that shows a ton of appreciation, but not necessarily costs a lot. For instance, for my dad, I bought him a fleece jacket at JCPenney that retailed for $60 and was marked down to $22.00. On top of that I had a ten dollar coupon for shopping. Not bad for $12. It's all about taking the time for looking for the great bargains.

My In-laws specifically told us "no more gifts for them." My MIL told me she and my father-in-law have so much that honestly more stuff just creates a problem with storage. So, for them, I just make a donation to an organization (usually a food pantry) in their name.

In your situation, though, I would buy him the $10 book and a gift card to Barnes & Noble for whatever amount you choose to put toward the other one. If Christmas shopping truly puts a strain on your budget when shopping for anyone, including your parents, I would explain your situation. If he doesn't understand, then it's his problem.

We do the list thing with my ILs and my mom, but it's because both sides request it. Maybe your dad was trying to be "helpful" but just presented it the wrong way. Just buy what you can afford and don't worry about the rest.

My advice would be to get the expensive book if you can afford and leave the second book.

In our church, the church has a library where members can take books free of charge and can keep it for as long as they wish. See, if your church has the same thing or if any other member has it so you can borrow it. Rarely do we read the same book twice - so I guess that should work fine.

Search at Costco's they are the cheapest for new books. I do not have any Family Christian Store coupons - check if any body else has, they have 33 or 25% coupons.

Have a wonderful and peaceful Christmas!

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And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Phil:4:7

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And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Phil:4:7