The conflicted giver

Staci

Now that Thanksgiving is over, the holiday shopping season is in full swing.

I love to give. A Leo  by birth, I've always been a generous soul. So throughout the year I listen for cues from my family and friends about their wants and interests, find the perfect gifts, wrap them beautifully, and enjoy everyone's reactions at opening time.

Usually, I go a little, well, overboard.

This year is different. I've moved into a new home but haven't yet sold the other. And with two mortgages and two sets of utility bills to pay, my usual gift-giving practices won't be possible. Reluctantly I've had to adjust both my spending habits and my own expectations.

However, I didn't want to give up gifts entirely. After frank discussions with my family members, we agreed on a gift exchange compromise — a Yankee Swap.  We've done this for a number of years at our office holiday gathering with great success.

Our family has set a $25 limit for the swap. My mom is really getting into it, trying to think of gifts that we would all want to steal from each other, because that's where the real fun is. My younger sister, who won't be able to come home for Christmas this year, is mad that she's going to miss it.

"Can't I participate by phone?" she whined at Thanksgiving.

Anyway, it's not buy nothing, and it's somewhat frugal, but I think it's going to work out just fine. We might even start a new family holiday tradition!

If you're a conflicted giver like me, how are you adjusting your holiday gift plans this year?