I used to love Christmas, favorite time of the year for the religous and secular parts. But lately it's been one of the worst. My husband and I have been blessed with a compfortable income. It's not enough to take trips, buy things we don't need or any of that. But we are almost completely out of debt and the future looks good. My brothers and sister and especially my kids are not that blessed.

I have always enjoyed giving evereyone Chritsmas presents. My limit has always ben in the $30.00 range for siblings. I know that doesn't seem to be a lot for some people but in my family it was. And I guess it was to much because 2 of the siblings requested that we draw couple names, everyone give to Mom and the kids. I didn't like that because I think it gives the kids the wrong value of christmas. But we have done it now for about 5 years.

One of the siblings whose idea it was to just draw names usually doesn't give any gift at Christmas and doesn't come. So the name they draw comes up without a gift. The rest of us realize it and usually come up with a plan for a gift as replacement. Now this person is suggesting we take the money we would give as a gift and donate it to a charity, give gifts to all the kids and give couples a gag gift.

Another thing here is that my husband doesn't give me any gift. He doesn't give a gift for Mothers Day, Anniversary, birthday or Christmas. My kids can't harldy afford anyhting. So I look forward to that one gift. I know I shouldn't be depressed over this. It's Christmas, the birth of my Saviour. But this gift giver likes to recieve once in a while!

Christmas is always at my house cause it's the biggest. Our children now do the cooking but still I am the hostess and you want your house to be nice. We all can't afford to rent a place nor would it be convenient to do. I'm OK now. I guess I just had to vent. Thanks.