RE: Early Christmas Presents

I think it was a family decision made something like 20 years ago. We were all getting together once a year and wasting money buying things for people out of a sense of obligation. It was a total waste because we didn't really know what our family members want or need. I think the straw that broke the camel's back was when me and two of my siblings all got my mom the same book thinking it was somthing she liked. She got 3 of them and as it turned out she already owned the book also. We donated them to the local library and then I think we sat down and agreed that we weren't going to do that anymore but instead would just buy some food or drinks for all of us to share together at our gatherings.

I will admit not having gifts was a bit of a letdown at first, but it was the right choice.