Thank God we can choose our friends. Family we are kind of stuck with. It is a sad commentary that your family wants expensive gifts in order for them to be satisfied. The whole world seems so material oriented these days. Is your whole country the "culture" bent on expensive gifts, or is it just your family?
Jesus wouldn't expect you to give an expensive gift when you could not afford it. In fact he would insist on no gift. Don't except the gifts from your family, if they are going to make you feel bad about what you can offer. Your health is more important than what they want from you. Medical costs everywhere are through the roof. I want you to know I care, I am sorry your family seeks earthly material goods at the cost of your feelings. Not everyone is that way. My family isn't like that. At least the part of the family who is still with me. I have some close friends, none of us exchange expensive things. We are all hurting financially, so it is not expected. We enjoy each other, and have a simple meal, no pressure, just joy. I really hope that your family will learn to be compassionate toward you, and under stand the true meaning of christmas, and all the other holidays. It is never about gifts. Take care Kitty, be good to yourself. I hope you have peace in your life over the holidays. I will be thinking of you. ginnie