how much do your parents spend on you at Christmas?
927823
Nothing.  And think what £300 could do for a good charity.  Don't be greedy -think of the needy
715639
Well I have 3 kids, aged 5-9..I've already spent $400  and I need to finish up with about $200 worth of more things for them. I've only spent about $100 on my hubby so far. I'm a big clearance shopper (year round) so I don't know how much I've spent on things here and there I have to give out to other family members. I also hit some really, really good sales on Black Friday so I think I stretched my dollars pretty darn well this year.
971725
I have never heard of the White Elephant, but it may be the same as what my extended family does at Christmas. Each person brings a wrapped gift around $20.00, marks them as a man, woman, or either gift. We each draw a number, number 1 picks a gift from under the tree, each person can either take a gift from under the tree or take another persons gift. It gets to be very funny, but make sure that there isnt a cry baby in the group or they will ruin it for everyone. \nMy 82 year old Dad doesn't shop, so for Christmas he cracks open walnuts very carefully removes the meat of the nut and replaces it with money. Then he glues them back together and hangs them on a tree branch. Each of us takes turns picking a nut from the tree cracking it open to find our surprise inside. It can be anywhere from a nickle to $100.00 bill. He devised this plan saying that he doesn't have to worry with shopping, and no one could ever say that he favors one child/grandchild/great grandchild over another.
789479
Not at all!  You aren't telling her what to get you (unless she asks), and I assume you are doing this for some reason of principles, and I think good for you for doing that!  Hope your mom respects your wish.  and Merry Christmas!
949866
Money seems to be tight this year, and you always want to give a loved one something nice, and while holiday shopping you really don't think about receiving. Or I don't anyway. So, if someone took the time to pick out something for me based on my likes and it was cheap, I would love it more than a $50 gift certificate. Why? Because they actually pay attention to me, and know me well enough to make me smile with their gift. And that is my intention for every one on my list. So, in answer to your question; yes, I think it is the thought that counts. Although some people who have the money to lavish there loved ones with gifts, they also put thought into what they buy, they just have the money to reach higher. They shouldn't be looked down upon for that, us less advantaged people just wish we could do that.  Expensive doesn't mean less thought. Sometimes it could even mean more thought. One Christmas, all I wanted was a guitar, very pricey, and I knew that my mom couldn't afford, so I never asked. Everything in me was screaming with desire: have to play a guitar, want a guitar. My mom knew that, and she really surprised me when I woke up and there was one setting under the tree with a bow on it. It was the most precious gift I got because it came right from her heart. \nThe meaning of 'it's the thought that counts' is just as it reads, you put a lot of thought into any gift, and it counts.
943270
Before Christmas we decorate the house and ride around to see people's Christmas lights. And we shop the big sales, of course. My family usually stays home and gives eachother presents for Christmas. Then we have dinner. After Christmas family visits us or we visit them. We also go to after Christmas sales.
25029
if you really think about it...your parents are the first to tell you about christmas
804679
Oh Honey I know what you mean. We had to cut down on gifts big time this year.The giveing of gifts is out of control,and the costs are outragius. You children I would say yes to getting for,but the rest you have to cut down on. I too know the true meaning of Christmas And do undrestand what you'r saying\nOh well we have both vented and I hope you feel a little better...I do (LOL) Happy Holidays to you and yours.
355650
You are the sweetest child in the world, they obviously feel you deserve it. A parent looks forward to this moment from the day you are born. That is actually not an unreasonable amount I have seen them reach $5,000 plus. But Like I said this is as special to them as it gets. Don't look at it as them spending the money on you, look at it as them enjoying the fruits of their labor. You graduating (and especially going on to college) means they have achieved their dreams in life, and you will understand it better if you choose to have children. But If you feel that it is still to much, than when you finish college and get that nice paying job get them some cruise tickets, just to say "I love you"
128738
I save all my change in an old ceramic cooking pot. At the end of the year I cash it in for dollars and give it to my children to spend on gifts for the holidays for their friends, family, whomever. They love it and it doesn't cut into my budget.
812017
about 150.00 but have a realy large family that for 14 kids  i tell them all when they turn 16 i wont buy for them not to be mean but i just cant afford it if i bought for everyone and spent 10.00 each it would avarage to about 3,444 i think it might be more
902435
Good for you! One of the things I have found when buying gifts for young children is that it doesn't matter how much a present costs, but rather how big it is. Buy the biggest thing you can find cheaply, wrap it in nice paper, and watch the happiness.\nGood luck
771104
Well, duh!\n\nFancy the government forgetting VAT - something that is paid on EVERYTHING!\n\nIf I told my husband that I was going to spend £100 on Christmas presents but the bill actually came to £300 he would kill me.   Obviously it would not be my fault that I forgot Great Aunt Ethel when doing my pricings, and had forgotten to include wrapping paper, Christmas Cards, the petrol to go shopping, the parking fees, lunch while out - and the VAT on everything!\n\nMind you, the money does not matter - it's not my problem as it comes out of my husband's bank account - just like it is not the government's problem where the money comes from as they will not go bankrupt - the country can pay, out of taxation!
98610
Rs. 2000/-\n\nBetter hand over to your parents.. Later they will take care of your expenses..
334609
These people are usually thinking about themselves only. They like to spend money, but only for what they want. If they ever buy a present for anyone, out of obligation, they will get the cheapest thing they can find.
741722
I will be spending less this year than I did last year, do to financial difficulties.  Although I might not spend as much money the thought and love behind each gift will still be there. \n\nWondering what the thought behind this question is... Isn't Christmas about giving and thought behind it not on how much you spent?
414839
For 2006, one person can give another person $12000 without gift tax. That means your parents can give you $24000 without any gift tax. You don't have to pay income tax on the gift.\n\n\nZhicheng Lai\n\nEnrolled Agent