It's not a secret, every year it seems we become less and less aware of the true meaning of Christmas and increasingly more knowledgeable instead of the role of commercialism and giving because of duty instead of out of love. I am guilty of this myself unfortunately, and although some "traditions" are hard to break, there are some ways to make this more comfortable on all of us. Here are some:
- Offer a name exchange instead of having to give to every aunt, uncle, cousin and half, removed and by marriage relative. This way each person that puts in a name takes out a name, and hence breaks the unfortunate truth of deadbeat gift givers. Also a spending limit that is enforced makes this easier still, and cheaper as well. Having trouble buying for the aunt you hardly know? Ask those who know her better than you do, maybe she has a salt and pepper shaker collection or is a "Dead Head", finding these keys will also help you to make gift giving more meaningful and possibly less expensive as well. In our family, however, we do exchange names, but in addition we agree to buy something for each child in the family. This is relatively easy and fun. Gifts from the dollar store, or two- for-one-pharmacy sales are a blessing in this area. Kids are fickle and are (depending on the age group) only fascinated with one gift for a short amount of time, it's better that you keep this in mind, think of them and don't break the bank on these recipients. As a mom, I know that color books, crayons, bubbles, chalk and play dough can all be stashed away for a rainy uneventful day when the kids have undoubtedly tired of all the expensive toys bought for them.
- Suggest a clause that only one gift can be bought, and then set a price limit, or just have a complete gift exchange with gifts that are made rather than bought. My favorite gifts that I have ever received are those from someone I know took time, thought and effort into what they made for me, instead of just "buying" something, this to me is intangible representation of that persons inner beauty and self. These are the things I display most proudly in my home, and I feel the most love when just looking at them. Do keep in mind the differences of gifts in other people however; a nurse who makes a good wage and enjoys shopping may not enjoy "making" gifts as much as picking up some lotion for you because she knows you like the smell of vanilla.
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