If you haven't mailed those cards and gifts by now, you're probably too late! If you wait until next week to shop, you will probably just be frustrated. It seems that people get obsessed by getting stuff for other people, placing their orders for what they want to receive, and forget that it is the time we spend together that is priceless.
This year, with the kids more or less on their own, we are resorting to gift cards and items that, while not normally thought of as gifts, are things 20-somethings need and often do not or cannot get for themselves. A book by the oldest boy's favorite author (other than me!), kitty litter for the youngest daughter's cat, a bottle of the middle son's favorite rum. It has long been our tradition to give some gifts that are silly or just fun. One of those gifts for the youngest daughter was several cans of jellied cranberry sauce. She loves it and eats it out of the can with a spoon! As she was opening this gift the other night, we reminded her that some gifts are serious, some are silly and fun. When she saw what she got, she asked, "which is this? I love this stuff!" Our kids do not ask for expensive gifts and are at least polite about whatever they get. For us, it is more about being together. There have been some gatherings where we forgot about the gifts in the fun of eating our traditional buffet and watching holiday specials. Just the other night, the oldest boy was demanding to know when they would start showing 'Ralphie', because that has been one of our traditions together. These are the memories that last long after the gift is used up, out-grown, or broken. Take time to make some memories! ~Michael S. Pauley
This year, with the kids more or less on their own, we are resorting to gift cards and items that, while not normally thought of as gifts, are things 20-somethings need and often do not or cannot get for themselves. A book by the oldest boy's favorite author (other than me!), kitty litter for the youngest daughter's cat, a bottle of the middle son's favorite rum. It has long been our tradition to give some gifts that are silly or just fun. One of those gifts for the youngest daughter was several cans of jellied cranberry sauce. She loves it and eats it out of the can with a spoon! As she was opening this gift the other night, we reminded her that some gifts are serious, some are silly and fun. When she saw what she got, she asked, "which is this? I love this stuff!" Our kids do not ask for expensive gifts and are at least polite about whatever they get. For us, it is more about being together. There have been some gatherings where we forgot about the gifts in the fun of eating our traditional buffet and watching holiday specials. Just the other night, the oldest boy was demanding to know when they would start showing 'Ralphie', because that has been one of our traditions together. These are the memories that last long after the gift is used up, out-grown, or broken. Take time to make some memories! ~Michael S. Pauley
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