Do you think we should HAVE to give people presents at Christmas? « U Kno Wot I Mean

U Kno Wot I Mean - Comedy Forums » Comedy

Do you think we should HAVE to give people presents at Christmas?

(79 posts) (78 voices)

Started 1 year ago by admin
Latest reply from susyox

Tags:

12 3 Next »

admin
Key Master

The giving of presents at Christmas can cause some financial crisis. Should we be compelled to give presents at Christmas?

Posted 1 year ago #

wamchooser
Member

Yes.

Now stop being a cheapskate.

Posted 1 year ago #

Mooncheese78
Member

That's what makes Christmas exciting, the exchanging of gifts. It doesn't have to be about money. You can make homemade gifts or be wise and shop for bargains early in the year!

Posted 1 year ago #

popple79
Member

No. We shouldn't put ourselves under such financial pressure at Christmas.

Posted 1 year ago #

Kate
Member

Yes. There's enough redundancies going on at the moment without poor old Santa being thrown on the scrapheap.

Won't somebody think of the elves?!?!

Posted 1 year ago #

kathrynann
Member

No-one should feel compelled to give presents at Christmas time. It is down to individual families to take a sensible approach and, if funds are low, make appropriate cuts. The problem with most families is that often no-one likes to take the initiative and suggest cutting back. Buying for children only or putting a cap on the amount spent per person are both good ideas. If someone will actually take this initiative in a family then it is likely that it will be welcomed by one and all!!

Posted 1 year ago #

nancytownsend
Member

If you can't afford Christmas presents the most sensible thing to do is make a pact to not exchange presents. If everybody knows, there won't be any recriminations come the day. Christmas should be about goodwill, not crippling debt.

Posted 1 year ago #

2009nicola
Member

No not HAVE to - a gift is given not as a chore but a token to say that you're thought of and special. Having said that I felt need to give gift to my child's teacher as I didn't want her being the only one not giving - teacher is a dragon and the wine given will probably fuel her flames!

Posted 1 year ago #

namaste
Member

yes but that doesn't mean you need to spend vast amours of money, it's the giving that counts not the value. often a simple hand made gift has a far greater value to the receiver

Posted 1 year ago #

Grannybiker
Member

Of course no-one should be compelled to spend any amount they can't afford on gifts; whether they adore or can't abide the recipient is irrelevant. And why bother with an ill-considered gift if it's not given in the true spirit?
I love the whole present choosing, but often find the perfect gift when I'm not actually looking for one. I suppose I should then squirrel it away until an appropriate time like a birthday / Christmas, but I'm usually so chuffed I can't wait to see their reaction (Hopefully joyful!)

Posted 1 year ago #

Grannybiker
Member

Would rather have the presence of loved ones than their presents anyhow :)

Posted 1 year ago #

angeleyes101
Member

I think it's time that we restricted present buying to children and partners only. I've agreed with lots of family members not to buy for each other from this year on.

Posted 1 year ago #

brocher
Member

Only give presents if you WANT to, pointless giving just because you feel obliged

Posted 1 year ago #

62shaz
Member

No you shouldnt have to .... everything is so expensive these days ,and so many people are already under alot of financial strain , presents should be bought just for your children/partner ... as long as the rest of the family know this so they dont end up buying gifts for you and get nothing back , its not a problem.

Posted 1 year ago #

vcoxee
Member

I actually like choosing presents, wrapping and offering them as it's part of Christmas. Not only for children but for adults too! I buy for family, close friends and a few colleagues and I start the process early so it's not a chore but well-thought and planned. As long as you stick to your budget it's fine.

Posted 1 year ago #

allibit
Member

As Darth Vader said " Luke i can feel your presents!"

Posted 1 year ago #

tjcp
Member

I think it is lovely to give presents at Christmas time especially seeing people fsces light up when it is something they reall want

Posted 1 year ago #

rayfield
Member

No I do not think you should have to but a token present is always thoughtful.

Posted 1 year ago #

Dodo
Member

I don't think there is any compulsion or mandatory requirement to give presents, though there probably is an expectation from others to do so. However it depends on your definition of "present" as simply being there on Christmas day for someone can simply be construed as a present!
The most important thing about Christmas is being together with family.

Posted 1 year ago #

sawtooth
Member

Its a nice tradition, but we shouldnt get hung up on spending bucket loads of cash rather give something meaningful.

Posted 1 year ago #

easter1965
Member

We shouldn't have to give them but I do think It's one of the best feeling's in the world to give because you Want to not have to. Some of the most special gifts hardly cost anything so it's not about the money. I couldn't bear not to give presents and never ever expect anything in return,..

Posted 1 year ago #

twinklenic
Member

sometimes its an awful pressure at christmas we have a massive family , my mum is one of 9 and there is loads of cousins and we used to all buy each other but now its getting too expensive so last year we decided to just buy the kids .....still expensive but not as bad

i love sending pressies tho and wouldnt want anyone to feel obliged to buy back , i never expect a pressie back at christmas

Posted 1 year ago #

maci234
Member

yes its only once a year but it can be very difficult for alot of people at this time of year

Posted 1 year ago #

lizd31
Member

We should only spend what we can afford, if that means no presents then so be it, as long as your loved ones know you care about them that's all that matters

Posted 1 year ago #

fnc63
Member

absolutely NOT!

Posted 1 year ago #

cheekychicken24
Member

If you don't want to give (or receive) presents, you'd better work on your insults - you'll be a billy no mates and totally present free before you know it!

Posted 1 year ago #

GingerBakesy
Member

Don't think present giving should be compulsory! If friends and family are truly understanding then a simple and honest explanation would be sufficient.

Alternatively,the spirit of giving dosen't have to be only represented by material gifts.If you are struggling financially,then why not offer gifts that cost nothing? Maybe offer relatives with children a night of babysitting for example,or to cook for them one Sunday,offer to paint a room next time they decorate etc? Offspring could offer to do all household chores one day in the new year maybe.If you happen to be creative then use your skills and make something to give.

These gifts will be appreciated and cost nothing,whilst retaining the true spirit of giving :)

Posted 1 year ago #

haxel
Member

We don't have to give presents at Christmas, but if the present shows thought then no matter how inexpensive it is it will please the recipient. The problem is what used to be the exchange of a small number of gifts that people really wanted has turned into the "we must give them something" mentality which is not in the spirit of Christmas at all!

Posted 1 year ago #

jenniwren12
Member

I think giving presents is great, but feel sorry for the parents who put under so much pressure to buy the biggest and best for their kids

Posted 1 year ago #

playboy
Member

Think you should give presents when you want and not just because its expected on certain days. I'm quite happy if Christmas was just about the yummy food!

Do you think we should HAVE to give people presents at Christmas?

Reply »