We do not celebrate Christmas with presents. We have what we call a "First Fire." This is the first fire we put in our fireplace on the first really cold night of the year, we usually plan it on a weekend. The date varies, but we know it will be in either November or December. On this night, we bring something to share foodwise, a little wine and basically sit around the fireplace, no TV or radio or stereo. We talk about our year, how it went, our joys, concerns, eat popcorn, listen to the fire and just "chill" as my youngest daughter likes to say. It is soothing, it does not entail presents, everyone can either participate or just snooze in front of the fire. The kids play in the room around us as we sit in front of the fire or sleep on someones lap. We make plans to keep everyone over night because we usually talk until the wee hours and in the morning have a BIG breakfast. Everyone goes home. Over the years I have asked the girls if they want to continue to do this and the answer is a resounding Yes.