Since my last post about our plans to travel over Thanksgiving, there have been several conversations, with a variety of participants about our family Christmas. The theme of all the conversations that I have been a part of all comes down to the same thing...we need to simplify and cut back on the gifting and the chaos that comes with such a large HAPPY family. We have asked that you all contribute to a COMBINED, but very meaningful, yet inexpensive gift for Dad and me. Jodi has the information, and we are very sincere in asking that you do nothing more for us in the way of gifts. At least one set of parents has asked that gifts for their children be cut back too. We can understand where they're coming from, and the suggestion is that aunts and uncles not give gifts to nieces and nephews. Most of you parents seem to agree that your children have LOTS of things and that our prolonged gift exchange is overwhelming for the children. I agree with this thought and I hope that you all will chime in on this blog if you agree or disagree with this suggestion. Opa and I are probably also going to cut back on the NUMBER of gifts that we get for the grandchildren so that they are not overwhelmed. We are looking at one gift for each child...and then of course a book (because that's just what Grand has to do...I hope you understand). We will try to make the gift a quality one and will consult you parents about what we have in mind before purchasing their "main" gift.
We are hoping that in lieu of the chaotic gift openings of the past, we can play games and have more personal interaction among adults and children alike. This should be a time of peace, love, and joy for us if we succeed in getting EVERYBODY together...which happens to be my most heartfelt wish.
As for the sibling gift exchange...several opinions have been expressed. Some have said that they like the gift exchange for the "entertainment factor" while others seem to prefer that the siblings and significant others maybe go out to dinner (or breakfast or lunch maybe???) without the children. Opa and I are willing (with the help of the older children) for this to happen if that's what y'all decide. I like both ideas, but I guess I need to leave this up to you all. Would you like me to figure out a way to post an anonymous poll and let the majority rule on this...or would you like to just "fight it out" with the best "man" winning in that decision?
Anyway, I hope we are all agreeable about the simplification of the gift-giving. I believe that this will be easier on everybody and help us to refocus on family time together. Of course, if you disagree, you are perfectly free to say so on this blog.
3 comments:
I am up for doing something different. I am pretty flexible. Either way is fine...I just have a feeling it would be difficult to get a time for all siblings to participate. We would be having Christmas dinner @ the house so we are probably not going to go then. Some people have to work the next day so I am just wondering if we would be able to make that scenario work?
I can see your point, Jodi; so maybe we should keep the sibling traditions intact. I would also like for us to play some "whole group" games like charades, since we're focusing on family TIME and interaction.
The sibling gift exchange could be a true "white elephant" where you bring a recycled gift or regift...the idea is not to spend any money but bring a tacky gift that you received and did not want. Thoughts on that?
I am fine either way. I concur with Jodi. I think it would be difficult to get everyone together on a day other than Christmas.
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