"I love the bright lights and general sense of ease that the holidays bring. Every year, I look forward to playing board games with my family, hearing them laugh, spending time with my nephews, and making new memories. That feeling of comfort is something I never take for granted. In the past years, my family and I always got together and exchanged gifts."
"We usually bought presents for each individual family member, which totals seven people. For me, it typically costs around $800 on gifts alone, but this year could be even more pricey. A recent NerdWallet survey found that Americans may spend an additional $200 on gifts this year due to tariffs and inflation, money that could easily go toward personal expenses or bills."
"With prices rising and travel costs adding up, my family and I decided to pause our traditional gift-giving this year and find ways to connect in more meaningful, affordable ways instead. That means for the first time in the past three years, we won't physically be together over the holidays, but that doesn't mean we won't be spending time together. This season, we're switching things up with thoughtful gestures like writing cards and connecting in other ways."
A family chose to pause traditional gift exchanges because rising prices, tariffs, and travel costs made holiday spending more burdensome. Typical gift spending reached about $800 for seven people, and a survey indicated Americans may spend an extra $200 on gifts this year due to inflation and tariffs. The family plans to reconnect through affordable, meaningful alternatives such as cooking together over FaceTime, sending handwritten cards, and organizing shared virtual activities. The approach emphasizes preserving traditions and togetherness while prioritizing financial practicality.
Read at Apartment Therapy
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