How much did you spend this Christmas? A rough estimate.

I couldn't get the link to work for some reason but, the website is americanresearchgroup.com

I realize the source doesn't equate equally to some members abroad but, as an American mother of two with a very large extended family from my husbands side, I was curious.

From the source, the average spending for 2014 was $861.00.

Last year it was $801.00

The lowest average over the last 10 years was in 2009 @ $417.00. (makes sense with the recession and all)

2008 came in at an average of $431.00 (also following the beginning of the recession)

The largest year of spending in the last decade was in 2004 with a whopping $1,004.00.

Am I a scrooge or just a thrifty and careful shopper? I ask that question because I don't spend near any of those amounts regardless of the years I listed. My holiday purchases usually run about half or just a tad bit more than a half of the average.

Obviously I don't expect you guys to divulge the exact amount of what you spent. I'm just curious to know how far off I am from the benchmark.

I always feel like I fall a bit short every holiday but, I also try really hard not to fall into the entrapment of materialism.

I really hate just buying crap that is not necessary or needed.

About $60 in gas to see the wife's family. And double that for Christmas cheer (booze).



Edit: We live in Canada where booze ain't cheap!

Happy Festivus!

a reply to: MagesticEsoteric

$0

That's how much I spent.

I don't think eating counts.

My presence is the best present I can give.
I didn't receive any gifts either, so it's all even.

Oh and I'm not being snarky. I just don't have a job. so...

It is a valid question i think.

I live in the UK but a brief breakdown.

Son £100 by far the biggest spend.

Other kids £30 ( only 2)

Food ( £45)

Thats it I think total even with a few beers around £200 but I know I am an anomaly.

a reply to: MagesticEsoteric
Not a damn thing.

Second

0 .. and for bartab on friends company expense account ( company give expense accounts to cover entertainment as more gets done at night over drinks than during day .. helped friend out as friends boss said he hadnt been spending enough on the account ) ¥ 294000 .. was slow night ..

originally posted by: Sparkymedic
About $60 in gas to see the wife's family. And double that for Christmas cheer (booze).



Edit: We live in Canada where booze ain't cheap!

Happy Festivus!

Sweet!

It's not the holidays without the booze.

Gotta be able to tolerate the In-laws some how right?

a reply to: KnightLight

Sounds about like me before I had kids and a job.

Appreciate the fact I actually showed up to the shin dig because, I really didn't want to in the first place.

Freaking appreciate my presence guys....sheesh.

Your Welcome!

As nothing is open here on xmas day, I actually SAVED money.

Thanks Jesus !!

originally posted by: nonspecific
It is a valid question i think.

I live in the UK but a brief breakdown.

Son £100 by far the biggest spend.

Other kids £30 ( only 2)

Food ( £45)

Thats it I think total even with a few beers around £200 but I know I am an anomaly.

I'm a firm believer that booze during the holidays is way more important than gifts.

No booze, I'm a no show!

Yeah, I married into a really f'd up family. It's a bare necessity.

About three hundred bucks this year. And MAN is the bank going to get confused when they try to process those transactions. I'm sticking with what I learned in school... a negative times a negative is a positive, therefore they owe me money.

I'm pretty confident this will be a loophole they haven't heard before. I've got a shot.

originally posted by: Battleline
a reply to: MagesticEsoteric
Not a damn thing.

Second

Good for you! lucky &astard!

originally posted by: Expat888
0 .. and for bartab on friends company expense account ( company give expense accounts to cover entertainment as more gets done at night over drinks than during day .. helped friend out as friends boss said he hadnt been spending enough on the account ) ¥ 294000 .. was slow night ..

Not surprising...you are hermit at heart right?

originally posted by: sn0rch
As nothing is open here on xmas day, I actually SAVED money.

Thanks Jesus !!

Whaaaat?

You must not live in the us.
'

I am in the Uk and other than cornershops everything is closed and even those after 11pm..



a reply to: MagesticEsoteric

originally posted by: Hefficide

About three hundred bucks this year. And MAN is the bank going to get confused when they try to process those transactions. I'm sticking with what I learned in school... a negative times a negative is a positive, therefore they owe me money.

I'm pretty confident this will be a loophole they haven't heard before. I've got a shot.

In theory man, your case stands. LOL!

Reality can be a real &itch though.

And, banks seem to have rules all of their own that are impervious to legislation.

You still crack me the hell up! Favorite Mod by far!

although those are supposed to be american numbers, they never make sense to me.
seriously, are they counting car sales and everyday grocery stuff?

I spent about $150 and got nothing in return. not to sound scroog like, just saying. Because I spent that on 6 people, it brings down the averages considerably. and I'm sure I"m not alone.

originally posted by: nonspecific
I am in the Uk and other than cornershops everything is closed and even those after 11pm..



a reply to: MagesticEsoteric

I'm too lazy to try and search and link the story but, I read an article today about a Wal-Mart that closed in the US at 8:00pm last night despite the fact that they are normally open 24 hours.

The police had to be called because there were so many people trying to force their way into the Wal-Mart after it closed. (pissed off consumers I suppose"

I've seen this expression used before and this post seems fitting:

"Umerika"

$400 on the wife, $300 each on the kids, and wife spent $200 on me. We go in order of importance... My boss blessed us this Christmas. Good people they are.

Each gift we obtained can be utilized with family time. That's what I spent the most of; Time with my family.

Purity ring for daughter, bike and metal detector for son. Practical, healthy, meaningful stuff I think.

My $200 in tools will save thousands in shop repairs on vehicles and lawn equipment alone.

a reply to: MagesticEsoteric

that sounds about right, except on christmas's when something like a computer is being given away.