Christmas 2014

[Derek Sutton]

Most love it, some hate it, others don't get one. It can be a tough, stressful time for a many people but with a little help from others, things can go a lot easier. So lets try to help each other out this Christmas or in the true spirit of the season, please try to help ME out with MY questions to make things better for ME.

1) We have always said we would stop buying gifts for our Nieces and Nephews when they turned 14, then it was when they're 16 then it was 18. There are 8 of them and we usually spend $30-$40 on each. None of the other Aunts or Uncles buy them gifts but since we don't have children we've always bought them stuff for birthdays and Christmas. Well the oldest one is now 18 and living or her own (with roomates) and going to college so that should be it for us buying for her. The thing is though now she could use anything we buy her a lot more then in the previous 18 christmas' so it really doesn't make any sense to stop buying gifts for her now. When did you guys stop receiving gifts from your aunts and uncles?

2) I'm looking for a store that sells these things. http://www.amazon.ca/Unknown-Safety-.../dp/B00GQPMLPA It looks like many US retailers carry them but not the Canadian stores, have any of you seen these things in a Clagary store?

3) Charity, My brother and I are looking at sponsoring a family through the local food bank this year. In the past we've always made a donation but would like to step it up a little this year, what experiences do any of you have with the Adopt a Family program or do you have any other reccomendations?

Thanks and if any of you have Christams questions or dilemas feel free to post. .

.

[East Coast Flame]

1 - I am 28 and I still get christmas gifts from my aunts and uncles. I've been telling them for years they don't have to give me anything, but every year they keep sending them.

[townie_80]

First post ever! I love Christmas so seemed fitting. My husband and I (as well as his siblings) still receive gifts from his one aunt and uncle. They are childless and we also give them gifts. We are in our 30s... I never really received gifts from my aunts and uncles growing up. I did have two uncles who would give me "beer money" when I was in university. And an aunt who randomly gives me gifts when she finds something she thinks I would like. So really, if you are comfortable and enjoy buying the gifts there is no reason to stop. I always really appreciated the gifts and still do.

[surferguy]

Do you have any details on sponsoring a family? Process? Costs? This intrigues me.

[undercoverbrother]

I hate Christmas.

[getbak]

I don't recall ever receiving gifts from my aunts and uncles on my father's side of the family. On my mother's side, I think it was around 12, maybe 14. I had a bachelor uncle who died when I was 22, I don't recall if he stopped at 18 or if he continued giving me something until he died.


For my own nieces and nephews, I stopped giving them gifts after they turned 13, but I still give the older ones a little cash for birthdays and Christmas.

[combustiblefuel]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

I hate Christmas.

I only like it because I get an excuse to drink all day. My In-laws can be very unbearable. I don't have a family of my own to celebrate it with so the last time I celebrated It was when I was 13. From 13 - 20 I was always alone during Christmas .

[Derek Sutton]

Originally Posted by surferguy

Do you have any details on sponsoring a family? Process? Costs? This intrigues me.

Here in Lethbridge it is through the Interfaith Food Bank (the web page isn't working right now for the Calgary Interfaith Food Bank). You can go to the food bank they will give you the age and gender of each family member. Then you go buy everything and return it to the food bank, they will deliver it to the family. Another option is to just donate and they will shop for you, anywhere from $150- $300 depending on the size of family you choose.

[The Goon]

I'm having a total knee replacement the week before Christmas so I'm hoping it gets me out of a lot of gatherings.

[troutman]

[rbochan]

I HAVEN'T EVEN FINISHED MY HALLOWEEN CANDY!

[psyang]

Originally Posted by Derek Sutton

2) I'm looking for a store that sells these things. http://www.amazon.ca/Unknown-Safety-.../dp/B00GQPMLPA It looks like many US retailers carry them but not the Canadian stores, have any of you seen these things in a Clagary store?

Found these (not quite the same, but same idea):

Bed, Bath, and Beyond

Scholar's Choice

[Nyah]

I absolutely love Christmas. My offices close from Xmas Eve to after New Years, so it's an extra holiday for me every year. I get to spend time with the family and with six nieces & nephews it's getting more & more fun every year. I love buying them presents. I love buying other people presents too, and watching them as the open them. I don't get the stressful Christmas shopping as I do all of it online. I get it all done last week over my lunch break. I love receiving presents too. The food is amazing. I honestly can't think of anything negative regarding Xmas in my life...overall it's just a great excuse to spoil each other, hang out, drink lots and eat lots.