Having the conversation

Yes, I know it's ridiculously early to be talking about Christmas but Christmas spending can be ridiculous, so here goes.  

Over the last few years I've had "conversations" with quite a few of my friends.  Actually I chat with my friends a lot but here I'm talking about discussions about Christmas presents.  It's a conversation which needs to take place well before Christmas - December is much too late.

I think most adults have more fun giving than receiving.  For myself, I also have the pleasure of making things.  I sew. crochet, knit cook and papercraft most of my Christmas gifts and love to create throughout the year.  However, I am very aware that receiving a Christmas present may create the expectation that someone has to give a Christmas present in return and of similar value. 

What I mean about "the conversation" is agreeing to dial down Christmas presents between friends.  With some friends I have a cooking agreement - I'll make you a pudding, you make mince pies, that sort of thing.  That eases the pre Christmas cooking burden for both of us.  With others it's "let's have a special day out together after Christmas" so the generosity of Christmas is extended into the New Year.  For another I give something to a charity - this year one friend's loo will be twinned with a loo in Nigeria.  That gift is much more than I would normally spend on a Christmas present but it is also a contribution to a cause dear to my own heart, with a charity working in a country with which I have a personal connection.

Apart from the cooking, this doesn't save much money but it is a more thoughtful way of giving and is truly mindful.