My family didn't exchange gifts this year...

[nini]

.. and it was wonderful. When I was little we were so poor we had gifts brought to us from the VFW. I vividly remember them dropping toys off for us on Christmas Eve. I didn't realize the impact of this until I was much older and trying to provide for my own child.

So, this year we decided we would all buy clothes and toys for the poverty program at the church we grew up in. Let me tell you... it was easier on all of us. We didn't have the stress of buying the right thing for everyone in the family - I have 5 siblings, 14 nieces and nephews.. this doesn't include in-laws etc.. so it gets crazy.

I highly recommend this for those who don't know what to buy someone that has everything. Make a donation somewhere in their name and put the money to good use. Then get together with those you love and eat and drink your butt off :-)


Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

[madfloridian]

1. We had our kids donate to some agency or group.

We gave just to the little kids, but the rest was donated to someone. We did not buy any gifts for each other. Sometimes we all forget, I think.

So many are hurting this year.