Christmas

It's difficult to understand why exactly this is such a touchy subject. If someone says money is tight and times are tough, how would telling that person they should have budgeted better really fit in the Christmas spirit?

We've talked about this Christmas quite a bit and to be honest, times are tough for us, too, as our income is directly affected by the nation's economic situation. If we had extra in tough times, we'd most like to give to those who have literally nothing. I know people who have lost their jobs already and it is not something to scoff at.

We don't have much extra, and I can't help but agree with Leslie that whatever we can save as a family will be a necessity—not a luxury.

Unfortunately, this year we don't have much extra. We're paying the bills, saving for a home, and mostly getting all the stuff first-time parents need to get.

Personally, I think it'd be nice if putting a bit extra away for a future home or months without pay wasn't considered selfish and inconsiderate. It's not, and having kids really changes everything. If someone doesn't have a lot and wants to put what little they have into their family for a time, it's not a bad thing.

For some, Christmas can really add up: X for each extended family, X for each parent, X for siblings, X for kids, X for godchildren. Sheesh. Is it a horrible thing to say someone'd like to give a bit of that to their kids?

If someone not spending money on us meant more payed off on a credit card, more toward their own kids, or more saved, I say go ahead and spend it elsewhere.

Also, I don't think it's right to ever define the right amount for someone else to give.