Do you really do Christmas budgeting?

Actually, I do. I will figure out how much I have to spend (always in cash). I'll take out for token gifts first (for my sisters, their husbands, etc.) The rest, I'll divide by 5 (I have five kids). If they have kids, I'll get less expensive gifts for them and spend most of their share on their kids.

What I used to do was decide how much money I could actually afford to spend. Then make a list of who I would be giving gifts to, in order of importance (family, best friends, acquaintances)and an idea of what to buy. I would then divide the amount of money by the number of gifts and have a rough idea of what I could spend on each person. And now that I see dbaker6's post we do almost the same--L0L.

Dave I try to start early doing lawaways and stuff that way I can string it out. I set a budget for my kids and try not to go over. KYSIDE38

Kyside, speaking of layaway, the Walmart here where I live is doing so bad in sales now that they quit doing layaways :(

I think that is a big mistake for Wal Mart, I believe they will actually lose more business from loyal customers.

Brownsugar WalMart stopped it period. No more anywhere. BOO!!!! I will go to KMART now. KYSIDE38

Jaquelin Smith will be happy to have your business kyside. LOL (oops, I forgot Martha Stuart also)

I like Martha she was in the pokey here. LOL

My Kmart took alot of Martha Stewart's items out of the store when she went to prison. Is she a felon, or just gellin, LOL

She is one gellin felon, cool cat, and all that!

Made WV famous. LOL

Can you drive by that prison and get one of Charlie's girls autograph for me? LOL

I hadn't used Walmart layaway for a long time until this year and was disappointed to see that it is discontinued after this season. I asked the girl why and she said because everyone has credit cards or gift cards, I just looked at her and said "not everyone"

My sister's entire family (basically, anyway) works at Wal-Mart - they've had their share of REALLY upset customers on the layaway issue. I know that for myself, I used it at Christmas time and for back to school clothes for my kids. I think eliminating the layaway chain-wide was a BIG mistake on their part. Sales are down this season for them, and I'm sure this is a big reason for it.

And on the topic of Christmas budgeting, I beat that monster long ago by shopping all year long. When I see something on clearance or a good sale that I know will make a good gift for a particular person, I pick it up. But only if I have the extra money at the time, and it won't cause a financial hardship for me to do so. (A bargain is no bargain if you can't reasonably afford it!)

This year, however, things were a lot different for me, and I was unable to do my year-round shopping. That has put me in a big crunch here at the last minute. Now I know why I try to shop year-round!

Suebee, The crunch is on this week. I will be one of the nuts out Christmas eve. LOL KYSIDE38

I thought Charlie's girls were somewhere here in California? He's at Soledad I believe---yuck---lets forget that garbage. Hey---did you know that Sears bought out Kmart. The one here has completely changed its image or so they say.

Kyside, it looks like I will be right there with you. I have only one book for my older son, nothing else purchased so far. I will NEVER let things get this close again.

I really do have to do budgeting. I know I need to save at least $356 for my dmp. I've been shopping since the summer-just getting stuff here & there when its on sale & when I can afford it. It easier this year as we've all agreed that we are not buying for adults & just buying for the kids in the family. Right now that's 6 kids we shop for, so I try to get stuff when I can.

I applaud all here who are budgeting this Christmas..I read in business section of my local paper today that credit card spending is up this season..and of course people are out there spending more and still haven't paid off 2006 Christmas debt..I honestly think a soft Christmas season for retailers will be a good thing in the long run..people can recover more easily after spending less..and will be more able to spend throughout the rest of the year..I also read today that a huge portion of income tax returns are used to pay off Christmas credit card debt..and everyone knows it's all about Christ and not about gifts but still we get caught up in the spirit of the season and overspend..my niece works at a huge craft/sewing store here..2 days after Thanksgiving she worked overtime displaying Valentine merchandise..crazy if you ask me..but it is what it is