But doesn't that make all the over the top excesses incredibly hypocritical?  To me, it seems rather like people who aren't in the least bit religious getting married in church.

My sis in law is a confirmed atheist but got married in a church and same said sis in law who I think is over splurging on her kids for Christmas.

Need I say more.

Totally agree, but it happens.



Same with baby christenings, I refused to attend one the other week because A. I'm not religious and B. neither are the parents. I wasn't popular for it but I just thought they were being hypocrits.

Good for you - it's a shame more people don't do the same.

The other half and I don't buy each other presents, as we just get things as we need them, and we prefer to choose our own stuff rather than have surprises.  As for my son, he's nearly 16 and has grown out of wanting lots of things just because it's Christmas.  I'm buying some DVDs and games that we can all enjoy together, but won't be spending a huge amount.  I like to spend a bit more on my mum, because I know she can't afford to spend much on herself.

Let's outdo each other! etc.Ya get this with the Catholc "First communion" etc...Ahem! I'm 53 now and made first communion aged 7.Yes we wore the white short frock and a veil etc.Mine wouldn't stick to my napper because me old grandad took me to the hairdressers on the morning for  a trim and I ended up with a "MIa Farrow" haircut...Now this basically a short back and sides  that boys got!

I still have photos of me in pose with a wonky veil and head dress due to "NO HAIR" to pin it to.

Crap! Looks like I can't post a "Mia Farrow" Cut pic ..blimey it was yonks ago!...Victoria Beckham sported it a few years back..that "elfin " short hair style.,

Does this help

Mrs C and I don't buy each other anything. The Grandson has enough really so some token thing. I normally buy my son his season ticket  later in the year. It's easier if you think of it as buying the retailer a Christmas present or giving away your hard earned cash to someone you don't know..

So far I've spent £600 on my 2 kids and still have about another £100/£150 worth to get. Will spend around £150/£200 on my boufriend because I know what he's getting me and it's much more expensive than that so want to make sure he gets something nice aswell. I have bought to all my neices/nephews and parents and have something to get for my sister and best friend now. I usually limit the family ones to £20 a gift but I;ve cut back on other peoples gifts so I can give my kids more. I don't feel guilty about spending on them at xmas at all. My OH works but we're not loaded by any stretch of the imagination but why shouldn't we make our kids dreams come true on one day of the year? We spend enough on ourselves throughout the year with one thing or another so getting the kids the wii that they wanted or the bike that they've been admiring for ages isn't really extravagant. And their faces on xmas morning is payment in full

I see Christmas as a pat on the back to myself & the family for working hard all year (whether it be work or education) & for coping with the crap that life throws at us on  a daily basis!
I don't have a religious bone in my body..although I do have faith in my fellow man/woman....I got married in a registry office & was married for 26yrs..but only actually got married because back then you didn't recieve married mans allowance unless you were married! (not applicable today)
I hold no judgement on anyone who wants to spend their money whichever/however they see fit or that they believe that Christmas is about Jesus or any other religious diety etc
Each to their own is my philosophy!

I fill three stockings with bits and pieces and they get a big present each...although having a wedding to pay for next year means that the big pressies will be smaller than usual

It depends on how much I have to spend that year. If I've had a good year then it's obviously more. Mrs. Bleads Birthday is on the 24th so that complicates things and I try to put more resources behind that as everyone usually overlooks it in the Christmas furore.

which is a bit odd, considering he was born in September

I think as long as your not putting yourself in debt then you can spend whatever you like.

One of the most annoying things is when you buy presents, and then a couple of days after Christmas, they're all half the price or less.  I'm thinking annuals, etc.

It's always like that  Fabienne. Annoys me too. I get all my stuff for the next year after Xmas though. Crackers, decorations etc. It's all dirt cheap

Good idea, Cags.   I'm not organised enough to do that.  I would probably put things away and forget I had them.

I do that Fabienne!...put things away & forget about them..

It's a nice surprise when you find them again, fern, even if it is 10 years later.

I agree Ella and I'm the same x

Apart from what I spend on presents I'm actually very stingy. I buy everything in the sales. I have boxes up in the loft marked "Xmas" "halloween" "general party" etc and the stuff goes straight in them when I buy it.

We don't go for competitive spending. We don't have any children in the family now -  youngest niece is now 25! Everyone is getting a hand-knitted scarf from me and a book or a CD from Mr Cat. I've got him gift subscriptions to 2 magazines - the cost is spread because they're paid quarterly by direct debit - and a couple of CDs I know he wants. I've got no idea what I'll get from him this year - he won't get anything until he knows what I'd like and I can't think of owt yet. Last year I had some L'Occitane perfume, a batch of Sanctuary body creams and shower stuff and a book.My niece is the one I spend most on but even them it's not a huge amount of money. This year she's having a matching set of scarf, slouchy beret and gloves knitted in apple green cashmere with gold beads and probably a box of Lush things because she loves them.

they sound lovely!