Doing the holidays below a budget

I so relate to this. My problem is that when I declare to family that I'm simplifying things this year (Read: Celebrating the way it's SUPPOSED to be - food and togetherness), I get mixed messages from everyone. They think it's great...and they say they still want presents. Sounds ridiculous, right? But it's true.

Working on this, inside and out. Meanwhile, I am enjoying your story about same! Thank you.

----- "Nice," said Toad.