We all love giving and receiving gifts at Christmas, but sometimes families grow so large that it's
impractical to give each member a gift. Our family is exploring new ways of giving this season. We're talking about all the family's adults (anyone 18 years or older) drawing names. We usually hear the Christmas story (read by grandpa), open presents, do a White Elephant gift/fun game on Christmas Eve after enjoying a big buffet meal.
My family is always looking for new ideas, so I would be interested in hearing how you and your family celebrate Christmas Eve/Christmas. Please leave your comment with details.
***Don't forget the THANKFUL TURKEY DAY GIVEAWAY. Details below.
22 comments:
Our family did not stop to figure it out this year but I am sewing large pillows for the grandchildren. Am making them from used jeans on one side and material I have accumulated. I am making blank books for some too. I saw them on a commercial and decided to try it. I hope this comes thru alright. My comment about Kendyl did not. Am so greatful to the Lord for all the good things he does.
Lea- Thanks for this great idea!! And thanks, too, for remembering Kendyl Grace.
Because of the economic climate and hubby and myself being pensioners, we have all got together and decided to set a price limit on a gift or gifts. That way suits everyone.
On Christmas Eve, we attend mass at a cathedral-like church in a neighboring city. The best part is after the mass, a quaint stable is set up outside in a living nativity - mule, sheep, pony, goats, doves. Seeing all the animals gathered around the blessed family is always a moving moment.
My family always does our gathering on Christmas Eve, too. (Then each branch can be home with the kids Christmas morn.) Last year we tried the drawing names for the first time. It works for some families, and we thought Why not? But in the end it wasn't the same, because we weren't able to give gifts to anyone else, when we so enjoy the process of shopping and thinking of a perfect present for one another. (It's my parents, my sister and me, our husbands, four kids and, every other year, my brother and his girlfriend - so not too big a group, all said and done.) So this year we're back to the same as always (giving to all the adults), but keeping in mind not to go overboard, and remembering the presents are more for the kids' sakes.
Wait a minute... Have we been talking about Christmas? Already? ;)
This year our large family has decided to limit the cost of a gift for each person to $10 or less and have it be homemade if possible. I just made up a gift for my daughter-in-law for her early December birthday. It was a box of Crock Pot liners (a little over $2.00), several recipes for easy Crock Pot dinners, and a roll of Scotch tape. I tied it all up with a red bow and made a tag for the Scotch tape that said "For holding it together during the holidays." I need to get it in the mail this week and hope it will help out her holiday meal planning--at least. But the Crock Pot liners and recipes would be a nice gift. There are a BUNCH of free recipes on the web and even recipe cards that you can print out!
Our family has grown so much we really need to do a name draw too,but everyone insist we keep buying gifts. I dont know how much they will be getting this year as so many people are on tight budgets. But I do know one person will be getting a very nice scarf. They will be pretty in pink!Normally with my kids we start opening stockings 12 dys before christmas. One gift each nite it keeps them occupied until the big day!. Hope you have a great Tuesday! Blessings, Karen
I heard of a fun way to celebrate from a friend. All the kids gets gifts but for the adults, each person goes out and buys one gift which would work for either a male/female ... usually these are fun gifts. Then they draw names to determine the order in which each person can open the gift. Each person opens their gift and then can keep it or exchange it for anything which has been previously opened. So, of course, the best spot to have is last. :) Sounds like fun, doesn't it?
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Jeannette- I think you're right about setting a limit on the price.
Joanne- That's a very lovely thing to do. Afterall, it's all about the birthday of Christ.
Janna- I'm afraid you're right....we are talking about Christmas pretty early, but I thought we better start planning ahead if we're going to so something different this year. Gotta get a head start on it!!!!
Pat- Thanks for the great ideas!!
KKJD1- Hey, SCARVES, are a great idea!!! Be sure to keep entering the THANKFUL TURKEY DAY GIVEAWAY.
Footprints- Our family plays it and we call it The White Elephant game. It is tons of fun and everyone looks forward to it. It's the most fun part of the evening. We may try a different "take" on it this year. Someone has suggested just doing that instead of giving gifts... each person would bring three small gifts to put into the game.
We've set a price limit on our gifts this year, as well. I want to buy practica gifts for everyone - not just useless knick-knacks that will soon be relegated to a garage sale! So I plan to look at some unique items for my family.
Melissa- I agree about the practical items. In the past I've given gifts that are practical, but a treat...something they wouldn't buy for themselves, perhaps a very nice bottle of wine or a really good cigar....something that fits their lifestyle and then wrap it in a cute gift bag or box.
We've always done a gift exchange with a price set, just the adults. One year, everyone got gift certificates. It wasn't the same, so we nixed those! I think I will give out books this year and do my part for this struggling publishing industry!
Rightonmom- That's a good idea about books. I suspect books are going to be a big item for us, too.
One year we made all our gifts and that was fun and we looked forward to the giving. We aren't giving anything this year except to our grandchild due to the economy. I would prefer to just be with people I love instead of gifts! We also go to the Christmas eve service.
We attend Mass together on the Eve, then do the potluck thing at a hall behind the church. We always have a birthday cake to remember the real meaning of the day, and rotate among the kids reading the "Christmas story." Then we play Dirty Santa with gifts under 10, which is always a hoot. Several years we've collected money and bought a needy family gifts/food instead of exchanging with each other...one year a policeman who needed a new vest (very expensive and comes out of their own pocket). This year, I think we're going to all get baby gifts for a young neice who just delivered our newest family gem. :)
Oh, the best thing we do as a family is participate in Thanksgiving and Christmas Meals on Wheels in the early morning hours to give regular workers a break. Now, there's the real Christmas spirit!
Terri- Most people I talk with are cutting back this year due to the economy. It's helping all of us remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Angie- Wow, what a lovely service filled holiday you will have!
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