Christmas gift-giving
I expect there to be changes, especially when a child gets married and establishes a new home.
One change seems to be that while I prefer that we all exchange inexpensive gifts, some of the kids would prefer not to exchange gifts, for financial reasons. Since I’ve always done something for over 50 years, it’s hard to think of doing it differently. It just takes getting used to doing something a different way. When in Rome….do as the Romans, as the saying goes.
To me, one shows thoughtfulness and love by giving a small gift (even 4 cookies in a tin counts.) But does that mean that there is no thoughtfulness or no love if there is no small gift? No, it doesn’t.
So I’ll exchange with those who want to, and give some money to the poor kids in Haiti and Columbia who need it more than we do anyway. If a majority wants a change, then I either have to go that direction or sit and stew about it.
And that kind of stew isn’t very tasty.
The funny thing about such changes: after the initial emotional ruckus, I started thinking of the benefits of the change instead. Like….I have almost no shopping to do for Christmas, and even better – no wrapping. (I hate wrapping.) My obligation list has shrunk. Maybe I’ll get used to it. 🙂
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Change can be really hard. Traditions are nice, but they should be flexible so the newer family members can add their ideas into the mix. It can be fun to do new things, and sometimes a little sad too. We’ll have to have new ideas for this year, and I’m sure the following years will bring even more changes. My goal is to: 1] be flexible 2] embrace the change, 3] look for other people to cheer up and help out, and 4]enjoy the holidays – no matter what happens.
I do enjoy the manner in which you have presented this situation.
Hi
Interresting post here may come back soon