I didn't think I could do it, but I've managed to make myself even more unpopular this year...
I withdrew from the family Christmas gift exchange.
Its alright, we get it, family says. Hell, we're all hurting. Lets do away with the adult gift exchange. All better now, right? Well, at least the kids will enjoy their gifts...
...wait, you're not buying for the kids? Um...
I did it. I made it known there will be no Christmas presents this year from us. I don't care if you're 2 or 92. I just plain can't afford it. After Diwali festivities and 2 birthday parties(for my own children) that happen within the last two months before Christmas, to purchase gifts for anyone at this time of year would be hugely problematic(Covid cleared our bank accounts this year, along with some other financial issues). Not to mention, after Navaratri, Diwali, and the two birthdays, I'm just plain beat...
We're not a close family. A good chunk of these kids I'm obligated to buy for don't know who we are, or any of our names. Its fun to see everyone and check in, but going to the extent you're expected to to obtain junk 'n things for the rug rats seems unreal. Last time, we tried giving snacks and a ten dollar bill, but Jimmy can't have dairy, and Jill can't have sugar, so most of it went in the trash. The money got a few eyebrow raises from the parents. Ah well.
I feel confident in my choice, even if it makes me look poorly to these folks(some won't like it, others will get it). How important do you think gift exchanges are during the festive season?
