I find the ridiculous amounts of money spent at this time of year to be disgusting. Lots of spoiled children ripping open hundreds of dollars, or thousands even, worthof stuff only to be upset they did   not get some specific trinket, or they grow bored with it all in a matter of days...I saw on the news, some people actualy getting into physical confrontations (shoving etc.) because they did not get the last toy or DVD player on the sale shelf...one couple near Albany were arrested when their five-year old called police aftre being left home alone by them, as they both went shopping on Black Friday...

Gifts should be special because they have been chosen or made with love and thoughtfulness, not because they're trendy or expensive. When you shower people with gifts, they come to expect more and more. My sister's kid (8 years old) gets everything he wants and never says thank you and acts entitled to having his own way 24-7. He's the only "child" at family gatherings now so of course everyone indulges the little sh*t.

I have done the handmade gift thing more than once...I think I shall do it again this year with some lovely decorated Christmas cookies. Mind you, they aren't cheap to make! But they tend to be warmly appreciated because many people do not have time or inclination to bake at the holidays...