I used to be the "fun" aunt in my family, and vowed never to give socks or underwear to my nieces and nephews for Christmas. This year, I caved in and gave pj's. They have so many toys already, and I find it kind of dilutes the joy of giving when you see the gift you lovingly selected trampled underfoot soon after it's opened. I'm at the point where I'm ready to give less so they can learn to enjoy it more when they do get something special.
For anyone looking for an alternative to giving "stuff", I read about a unique idea for a registry: whatgoesaround.org
Posted by kathy_o'quigley at January 4, 2004 06:20 PMAmen Kathy! I, too, have the same issues with Christmas. That website looks like a great idea—I'll have to spend some more time looking there. How many of us really need any more "stuff?" If all of us would spend even a little bit of time or money giving back what we have been blessed with, the world really would be a better place.
Posted by: heather at January 4, 2004 06:33 PMMy Father-in-law set up a trust for his grandchildren, for the same reason -- he thought (and the family agrees) that the kids already have too much junk / toys.
So for each birthday or holiday he'll add bonds to the trust for each grandkid. By the time they are grown, they will have nest eggs.
Posted by: jeff at January 5, 2004 07:17 AM