It's here again, Christmas preparation time. Since I'm not hosting Thanksgiving, I'll just skip ahead. Many things to ponder: Will I put up a big tree this year? Should I get out my nativity? How about decorating outside? Of course, for most of these things I need assistance, so I guess availability of help will be part of those decisions.But the big question is: What to do about gifts. My sister has started her annual "no gifts" campaign. "Let's just enjoy being together. Why should we be running around trying to find the perfect gifts?" She doesn't say this because of money, but because she thinks we're all running around looking for gifts just to give something and that makes it all meaningless. Although I agree with this in theory, I still like having a little something to open. Not cash, check or a gift card, something that shows someone thought of me and what I might like. Even if I have no clue what something is, if I can tell the thought process that went into it, I love it. Plus, I enjoy getting things for my family. I don't go out on a hunt specifically, but throughout the year, if I come across something that speaks to me, I buy it, which is why I am usually done with everything by now, but this year only for my parents so far.
I can't tell you what they're getting, because my mom has become a regular reader of this blog. I'll show you on December 26!
Of course gifts aren't the "reason for the season" but it's nice to have appreciation shown for you specifically, or even to make it into a game. Some of my friends' families do a Yankee Swap/Grab Bag, but that idea went over like a lead balloon with some of the Evil Overlord's family. I liked it, personally. We're a small family, so picking names wouldn't work well. I suggested that everything we give needs to be made by ourselves, and no one like that idea, either. This has been a big ramble, I know. So what do you think? Are gifts, specifically for the adults, unnecessary or too difficult to find? What does your family do?
I can't tell you what they're getting, because my mom has become a regular reader of this blog. I'll show you on December 26!Of course gifts aren't the "reason for the season" but it's nice to have appreciation shown for you specifically, or even to make it into a game. Some of my friends' families do a Yankee Swap/Grab Bag, but that idea went over like a lead balloon with some of the Evil Overlord's family. I liked it, personally. We're a small family, so picking names wouldn't work well. I suggested that everything we give needs to be made by ourselves, and no one like that idea, either. This has been a big ramble, I know. So what do you think? Are gifts, specifically for the adults, unnecessary or too difficult to find? What does your family do?
This year we are money or gift cards to all family members IN a small gift I either bought or made. Like you, I enjoy finding things through out the year.
ReplyDeleteSome years we asked for no gifts but a donation made in our name to worthy causes. It was great because we became sponsors for a family in another country to receive a cow. (We have reached the point in life that we have too much stuff.)
Gifts of food, wine and such are always welcome even by those who say they don't want gifts. I give those gifts anyway--no matter what the annual gift giving plan is.
How about exchanging books as gifts? Who can refuse a book? The secret is to make it fun for everyone and there are so many creative ways to do it.
Although I go through the same thing every year (no gifts, just food, family and friends), it never works.
ReplyDeleteMy ex in laws used to set a price limit, which made it challenging. As long as a gift has been picked from the heart, the price matters little, doesn't it?
But yes, I do want a gift :) and I do love to give.
I am not a great gift giver for occassions. I make things and I'm not sure they are well received. And clearly, I'm not confident.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend that I exchange gifts with when ever, not on an occassion. So every few years one of us sees something somewhere or makes something and thinks Oh ___ would really love this - and we gift. I wish I could bring that spontaneity and thinking process to Christmas. My brain freezes.
Kathy
Hi!
ReplyDeleteMy parents now give us "families" year long memberships to the place of our choice (ie. The Zoo, The Aquarium, Science Museum, etc.). They also buy the grandchildren gift - something they get excited about.
Us grown-ups get gifts for the nieces and nephews - the teens tend to get gift cards to places like The Gap, Target, or Best Buy.
My parents "say" they don't want gifts, but I know they do. I try to something consumable - like movie theater gift cards and restaurant gift cards (espcially sinces their disposable income is more limited - since retirement). Last year, I did get them a Red Cross Weather Radio - practical, but much appreciated. They go to my aunt's remote cabin a lot, so I wanted them to have something that wasn't dependent on electricity!
~Kari
I really want this year to be different.
ReplyDeleteI am totally baking fancy little things and handing those out. Who doesn't love the gift of food? ;)
found you through SITS.
I don't understand why your sister finds it difficult to buy presents for everyone if it's a small family. Sure, some people are a bitch to buy for, but that just makes the hunt all the more rewarding when you find something!
ReplyDeleteJustine :o )
We have done an online gift exchange party that is a mimic of the white elephant/yankee swap parties.
ReplyDeleteIt has been so much fun connecting with all the distant family members.
If fact, it worked so well that our friends asked us to put it out on the internet so that others can do the same thing.
If you are interested, you could check out http://albinophantblog.com/