New Rules

[Lynda Kamrath]

There are new rules at our house for Christmas this year.  No cash, no checks, no returns.  I really disliked the older members of the family giving out cash or checks since they didn't know what to get anyone.  If you don't know what the grandchildren want or need, then don't give them anything.  Also, returns were a PITA for me, so if you don't want something that you got for a present, put it in a recycle container and pass it on to somebody who could use it.  HOPE comes to our neighborhood every month and it is easy to drop off at the Salvation Army or Goodwill.  I took my mom shopping to get a little something for everyone and brought her the wrapping materials.  She used to always give checks or cash.  Seems crazy to be giving adults who are doctors, lawyers, artists, acupuncturists, etc. checks when they have much more money that their grandparents.  My feelings, but everyone seems to go along with it.  We will see after the holidays.  (The dogs love anything you get them and have a great time opening presents.)

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

I heard a news story on All Things Considered on NPR tonight about how one grandfather now donates in the name of his grandchildren to Heifer International.  It is truly the gift that keeps on giving.

[Lynda Kamrath]

I love the history of Heifer.  It started after the war when a man was giving cups of milk out to the children in Poland.  He decided they did not need a cup of milk, they needed a cow, and so it began.  The people who receive animals also learn to care for them and pass on the offspring to another family.  So they get milk, eggs, wool, etc. from the animals.  Goes along with the old saying, if you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, but if you teach him to fish, you can feed him for a lifetime.  I am partial to goats and llamas because I drank goat milk as a child and I am a weaver.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Your note inspired me to do the same. Our family gives to charities for the adults, but this is the first year I have done that with the grandchildren after reading your post. Our granddaughter is almost 5 and grandson is almost 3. Maddie loves to be generous to those in need. She will be so happy that we have given a flock of chickens to a poor family. Sam won't get it yet, but that's okay. Maddie will know.

[Michael Gurley]

My brother does this for me every year. I told him one year that I didn't want any more funny gag gifts that I never use, and I feel bad throwing things away, so I wanted him to get something that someone could REALLY use. Ever since,he has been giving goats and chickens to families who need them.

[Suzanne & Jack]

I like your rules.  Since it is just my husband and myself in our house we get special treats for the dogs and then donate to a local rescue.  My brothers are both older and don't really need anything.  Since I don't see mty brother very often, I found we were just exchanging gift cards.  Stupid.  I toldy him several years ago that we should stop and just enjoy the day together.  No argument. My parents buy whatever they want so I usually make them a video or offer some work around their house.  Being in retail I see people rushing around buying anything just to wrap a a present.  The most important thing is to spend time with family and friends.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Agreed!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

i love your new rules! I hated our annual gift card exchange but now we are getting back into presents. The way it should be!!

[Michael Gurley]

I love when my grandparents and parents give me cash or a check instead of a material gift, but that's probably because I'm a broke college student working part time for minimum wage. LOL