How can I afford a trip to Cancun during the Christmas holidays for a family of 8?

How can I afford a trip to Cancun during the holidays for a family of 8 on $1000?

How much is appropriate to spend on teenage children at Christmas time?

There is no set amount you should spend on teenagers. It depends on your circumstances - income, expenses, family precedents. Talk with other family members and arrive at an amount everyone is comfortable with. Remember: It's not the amount spent but the thought behind the gift that's important.

I have three siblings and we've discussed drawing names at Christmas time so we don't have to spend so much. The idea always ends up getting tossed out because some of us feel it becomes impersonal/ just exchanging money. What are some other creative ways to make sure you have something thoughtful for everyone on your list in a big family?

One year my family drew names and instead of a gift you had to write down 3 things you would like to do for an outing, fave restaurants, sport etc. The person who picked you had to plan a "date" with the person, just the 2 of you. Set a specific date and time so it does not get forgotten or "put off"

Thank you for the suggestion Jerri! My family would probably laugh if I offered to cook for them, but doing something nice to help a family member is a great idea! :)

As three adult siblings with adult children, their spouses, kids and grandkids, it was impossible to continue to get together and give nice gifts to everyone, even drawing names for the younger ones and doing gift exchanges was not within everyones reach. Our family holiday gathering starts with plenty of food and laughs and continues on to our gift exchange, now is made up of many, many assorted "Rob your Neighbor" gifts and at least one loud hour of knock down, drag out fun! Everyone loves it and at the end, no one goes away empty handed! Just full of food, fun and happy memories!

All great ideas!!