Spending on our family is a waste of our time and hard-earned money
DEAR DEIDRE: My husband and I are feeling very unchristian at the moment because nobody makes any effort for our birthdays even though we buy both our families lovely presents.
The Bible says it is better to give than receive but this has gone on so long that we’re feeling unappreciated.
I’m a woman of 58 and my husband is 61. Every year we put a lot of effort into buying presents for our families for birthdays and Christmas but we get hardly anything in return.
We spent £250 on our son for his birthday as he wanted money towards a new guitar.
He bought me a pair of tights for my birthday and my husband some socks. We also buy for our five grandchildren.
We both feel that spending so much on our family is a waste of our money, not to mention time. How should we tackle this?
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DEIDRE SAYS: Buying gifts for others can so easily get out of control.
Find some time to talk to your family and suggest that you have a limit on spending for birthdays or Christmas and stick to the plan.
Perhaps only buy for your grandchildren, which would make you feel more comfortable about the situation.
They may appreciate the suggestion because everyone has busy lives.
Book a day together when you can have a family meal, either in a pub or restaurant or at somebody’s home where you all bring a dish. You’ll find that time spent together is more valuable than any gift.
