Reply to How to politely tell family to cut down on the Christmas presents

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]This is an odd year for us -- we're living in a rental with our two young kids while our house is being renovated, and we're actually having to switch to another short-term rental in Jan for a few more months since everything is behind schedule. With all the moving, we are living very minimally with just a few outfits/toys etc, to keep it easy. But, Christmas is coming and our families like to give lavishly.. think 3-5 presents from each adult to every other adult, with multiple siblings/cousins/etc etc. We literally have to spend the day after Christmas opening presents the ENTIRE day because otherwise we wouldn't have time to eat on Christmas. I'd love to send a message to everyone to keep it minimal for us this year, like 1 gift per adult, maybe 2 for each kid? I also have a sibling who lives across the country and we've sent each other presents for 20 years, but his kids are grown now and I don't feel the need to keep sending presents, especially this year, and I want them to send anything to us either -- is it rude to send everyone a message that we're paring down on Christmas this year due to all the moves? How can I phrase it?[/quote]

I would just be direct. Don't worry about being rude.

"Just to manage everyone's expectations, we don't have the means to be as generous as in the past and will be cutting back on material gifts. We encourage everyone to do the same. Thanks."

I did this several years ago after one similar Christmas you described -- where we we sat around opening gifts for the entire day. My SIL was so into it she wrapped up toilet paper and individual socks. It worked.

I find in these instances that you need to be direct and clear and not tiptoe around what you want. If someone's feelings are hurt, they'll get over it.[/quote]

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