I don't receive a shock, I know what I can spend so don't go over it. I didn't use any credit cards except Sears when I was younger and I kept a small balance. I had a friend who got into financial trouble so I was very careful. Strange as it sounds I wanted to be financially secure even when I was 20 years old. I guess that was based on being poor as a child.

"Ok guys, how many of you did your Christmas shopping without using your credit card?"

Not me!
No way!
I used my credit card as much as I could... and I will continue to use it in the next weeks. The perks are too good to pass up!

" How many will NOT receive a shock when the bill comes in January?"
ME!
My statement is never a shock. I have a budget and I stick to it, each and every month.
Christmas is even easier than usual. I have a Christmas Club and get a check each October. I hold that check until the December CC bill comes in with all the extra CC charges on it, deposit it, and pay in full.
I pay in full every month... Christmastime is no different.

I do majority of shopping online so a ccard is necessary.

The statements are never a surprise. All purchases are entered into MS Money so I know the balances at all times, statements not required. Every statement balance is paid in-full.

I put myself on a strict budget this year and will spend about 35% of what I usually do. With that said it is still a bit more than I budgeted for. My DH has lost most of his income so we are learning to live on just mine. It is quite an adjustment.I am cutting corners everywhere and still need to cut down some more to reduce our mortgage or car debt.

A few months ago I could walk into any store and buy whatever I wanted. I didn't buy that much, but I spent alot on my family. I paid of a lot of medical bills for them, or gave rent money or paid car payments. Now that I know I can't just buy whatever I want it feels kind of scary. It also motivates me to save more, and spend less.

I never, ever, ever used plastic, or felt I had to. There are differences in families, I hear.

My family always gave modest Christmas presents. Late husband's family was even more thrifty. The phrase I'm thinking of may be "tokens." When I overheard Late H discussing gifts with an acquaintance, the acquaintance clearly thought such small gifts were inappropriate. I didn't really care, so long as the things were thoughtful or useful.

My family drew names for some years and now does a Yankee Swap. In fact, I don't care for buying/exchanging useless tchotchkes, i'd rather draw names and spend a little more for something that an individual would really want. Any thoughts on how to tactfully word that would be appreciated.