SJ, it's an easy choice - we can't afford it. I know we'll get more respect from my dad's family for acknowledging our finances and living within our means than for showering Liebs with gifts In-laws probably won't understand as they've never really struggled this much and my mum's family go into debt to treat themselves so won't grasp the concept of income ?20, expenditure ?19/19/6 = happiness (as Mr Micawber put it). In a few years' time, when we can afford it, then we won't see the point in starting it, we'll just buy gifts as and when rather than saving them up for Christmas. TBH, the more I think on it, the crueller Christmas is. You see a toy. You want the toy. Your parents buy you the toy... then make you wait three months before you can play with it because "it's Christmas soon." Let's just do the family time and the Jesus time without the presents, so much fairer. And that way all the toys get played with, not forgotten about (DS is STILL discovering Christmas and Birthday gifts now - 8-10 months later!).

Other "contraversial" beliefs. I go with "love the sinner, hate the sin." And don't enquire too much. If I am asked about it, I will point out I have no problem with the person, just what they are doing. The Bible states XYZ, I believe this, we "can't help the way we're born" but we can help what we do with our adult lives. We may be born into a life of crime, for example, but we don't have to follow that path. Illegal drugs aren't "a bit of fun"; they're not only illegal but they're ruining your body - a body God made for you and gave you. You really think so little of God you're going to destroy your body? Life isn't a race to the coffin, slamming in there with pickled liver, tar-filled lungs and an "I've lived" sign around your neck (as so many proudly believe); it's about respecting yourself, your LORD and your salvation - and proclaiming proudly a sign around your neck that says "I will live again - bring on the second coming!"