This is an interesting thread and it strikes home. My family has been blessed far greater than we deserve. Christmases in the past saw no limit. I always felt the need to have the "perfect" June Cleaver Christmas and tried to do everything in my might to do it,until now.
For months, the front page of our newspaper has told unending stories of job and home losses, homelessness and empty shelves at the shelters and food banks. Thre is no way I could continue to ignore what's going on in my world.
I emailed all my children to say there would be new rules for Christmas at our house this year. We will still have presents but there is a small dollar limit on each gift. They are encouraged to be creative and practical with their selection (who doesn't need underwear?) For extra fun, we'll have a Yankee gift exchange with a recycled/regifted item. I told each one, "if you own it and don't lke it, wrap it up." There should be a lot of memorable gifts floating around.
With the money we don't lavish on each other we'll be providing Christmas for some family who just needs a little help this season. My children and their spouses have jumped on the bandwagon to do this and it thrills my heart. They're geat kids after all!
I can hardly wait for Christmas Eve when they start arriving. I'm thinking this will be the best Christmas yet.
Merry Christmas everyone!