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I agree that emotions such as guilt (and others) drive gift-giving this time of year. I tried broaching the subject once, in a delicate way (because I did so in a public place), and one of my husband's relatives made the whole Norman Rockwell perfect-picture thing clear to me, by implication, as if that were the only way to celebrate the holidays. I never brought it up to that particular relative again; fortunately, things took care of themselves. I agree, as well, that in an emotionally healthy family in which everyone is devoted to each other, the members of such a family do not really need to use Christmas as an excuse to show appreciation for each other via gift-giving. It sounds like your family is on the right track, Talion.
posted by
kidnykid
on December 13, 2006 at 1:12 PM
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kidnykid
My family stopped exchanging gifts years ago, as soon as my brother and I became adults. We decorated the tree and celebrated as usual, but simply didn't buy anything elaborate. It had more to do with practicality rather than finances. More often than not, emotions like guilt drive holiday gift-giving. My family makes a point of being there for each other every day of the year. We don't need to do anything extraordinary once a year to show our appreciation. Queen V and I don't technically exchange gifts either. We buy something needed for our home instead. The youngest of the family, my fourteen-year-old cousin will get a lot of stuff, but that's it.
posted by
Talion
on December 13, 2006 at 9:06 AM
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