Christmas 2009

Hi all. I'm a lurker on some other boards, but am in desperate need of ideas for this holiday. I'm a young grad student living a thousand miles from home. So my Christmas spirit is buoyed just by being home, seeing my nieces and nephew get excited, and enjoy my parents in the Santa room/kitchen, opening presents in the Snowman living room, etc.

Usually we do Christmas the typical ways, with just a quick trip to a Mass the afternoon of Christmas Eve and then a four-hour everyone-gets-a-turn opening one present fest the big morning. But ever the oddball of the family, I've become increasingly disenchanted with the materialistic way we celebrate and just do. not. want. to. shop. Not even online.

This semester has left me wiped, and to contemplate running around town to find my Dad's specific walking shirts or razors (all he'll tell us to get because that's what he'll actually use) and stress out over whether my picky Mom will actually love this sweater over that one and not have to deal with the knowledge my brother's gift to me will probably be iTunes cards picked up at Walgreens on a battery run at 10 pm Christmas Eve only AFTER my sister yells at him (true story).

As you can see, our family is lovingly dysfunctional and in need of new spirit. What gift-giving traditions do you have for adults that I can suggest that will ease them into remembering our faith's roots, still be generous because we love each other and want to spoil them, and save our sanity and wallets? *Without involving crafts, loving letters, etc. They're really not into that, sadly.*

Thanks so much!

What about coupon books or just coupons? I'll make dinner for you, I'll come home from school just to visit, I'll do your laundry?

I hope whatever you decide brings back some Christmas spirit!!

Hugs,

 

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What about baking cookies either with your family or for your family? Or do you have any pictures of you or your family (your nieces or nephews) that you could frame and give as gifts? 

Just a few ideas I came up with.  Good luck!!

 

          

          
       

 

   

I think I just read this the other day on this very board, but it was a very sweet tradition.......every family member brings an ornament and explains how it reminds them of a family memory or story.  The person and ornament are photographed and I believe a little scrapbook was made for that year.  It would be fun to look over the scrapbooks after a few years too!

 If you don't want to buy new ornaments, everyone can decorate the tree together and share stories as the ornaments are unpacked.  I thought that was a great tradition!!  I know when we decorate our tree,  my favorite ornaments are the ones my kids made in school w/their class picture.

You really are in a tough spot.

Something inexpensive, not crafty, but personalized without shopping?

What is your degree in? Could you use it towards a gift? Like if your degree was/is graphic arts, could you make a home movie or photo cd? What about paying for a professional photographer? If there is a local college with a photo program, you could advertise there and maybe get one cheaper but be sure it is one with a few years of training to get good results.

My only other thought is doing some research for a family tree. You could find the names and maybe get photos of the people. That only popped in my head because you wanted something to get back to your roots.

Are any of our suggestions helping????

Happy Holidays
Liza in WI

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