December 8, 2008

  • Our Family Tradition

    Every year (hence the tradition) we take the kids (3 yrs and over) to the Dollar Tree.  Armed with their own money, they purchase a gift for each family member.  They even choose and buy their own wrapping paper. 

    I help the youngest while we all discreetly avoid looking in each others baskets.  I perilously try to keep an eye on everyone.  We have an "everybody stays in the same aisle" rule.  Lots of giggles and whispers later, we check out. 

    Once we are home everyone runs to find scissors and tape.  The wrapping begins.  Each child does their own wrapping (part of the fun).  Think lots of tape and crinkled paper. 

    So far, all the shoppers are girls.  Judah won't join us in the fun for another year.  With three little shoppers, shopping for five family members each - fifteen packages are added to our Christmas Tree. 

    Christmas morning after the big presents are opened, they give out their gifts.  The whole experience from beginning to end is so much fun for them.  It teaches them the joy of giving.  I really think they enjoy it more than receiving their own gifts.  I really think it ranks a close second to receiving their own gifts.

    whoppee

    grill

    carfreshener

    Last Christmas, the Chief of our Tribe was the proud recipient of a whoopee cushion, car freshener and a plastic "grill" (fake teeth).  But you would of thought, he received a million dollars.  Actually, the laughter and squeals are priceless.