As I said here before Mel, My Mom, Dad, Sis and her family all decided to cut back big time.. Mom and Dad do stockings for everyone and thats it.. My sis and I contribute together small things to make them each a stocking.. books, book marks, teas, etc..
We only buy for the 3 little ones.. if you are under 16, you get a present from Mom and Dad and me and my sis.. but not all the grownup kids, cause they cant afford it, but this does give the younger ones 3 gifts each to open Christmas eve at Moms..
If you are 16 or over, you buy something for 5.00 limit.. unisex.. we have seen lottery tickets, coffee mug, ITunes card, McDonalds Card, socks, scarf, hat, CD, DVD on sale, its amazing the little trinkets you can get for 5.00.. each buys something , wraps it , then we do that game where every one draws a number... Number 1 gets screwed.. you open the first one you pick and then #2 can take yours or a new one.. so on and so on.. it gets very funny and can be drug out for awhile.. the little ones even though they love their 3 presents always get excited to become a part of that game, so it transitions them well into the 16 and over group without missing the gifts..
We have made Christmas more about the meal, the family, the togetherness.. it has made a WORLD of difference in our mood on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day...
then on Christmas Day, its just my kids, grandkids and I do have Mom and Dad , cause my sis has to cook for her hubbys family.. I always have a small gift for my Mom and Dad, a picture, or a basket of home baked stuff, etc.. but again , its about the day..