I'll attempt to summarize what we talked about over the weekend.
Jenny's idea, that we would each be in charge of another person, has the advantage that we would each have only one person to find a present for. Also it would mean that we'd reduce clutter by getting only one gift rather than five smaller ones.
The problems with this plan were that it would require complicated exchanges money and also because it would keep people from deciding what they could afford to spend each year. Also, despite the drive to simplify, people didn't seem to want to give up on getting presents for everyone.
There was some confusion about whether we were talking about Christmas, birthdays, or both.
Let's talk about Christmas only. I think that the idea of modifying gift giving makes sense. No one really needs more "stuff" to travel with or store in small apartments. Mom and I are trying to move things out of the house in anticipation of perhaps moving someday. (Of course, there are always things for the boat...) I think, though, that we all like thinking about each other as we plan on gifts. perhaps, we can find a way to give something that allows us to think about each other while not cluttering up each other's apts.
what if we did a theme of some sort, like practical gifts or location gifts? maybe that way we could do something that 1. people need (like gas cards, airline cards, or grocery cards) or things that will help us think of each other as we move apart.
There are a few different goals circulating here, and I think that's why it's hard to see a single solution. As I see it they are:
1. Reduce accumulation of stuff 2. Reduce stress of finding gifts 3. Get people things they really want 4. Cut down on $ spent
For the first, we could encourage gifts that are small (e.g. jewelry) or consumable (e.g. food or activities). The picking-names plan also works for this.
I have some concern that picking names would not accomplish goals #2 and #4. For myself, this is a lean year, so I'd be afraid that whoever I had to get something for would be disappointed.
On #3, we could all be better about providing Christmas lists. The blog might be a good place to do it, because we can modify it as we come up with things. Maybe we should start a thread for each person.
I think we should keep things as they are, and if we want to go in on items together, as we have in the past, we will talk with people individually. I think we have thought about buying smaller or useful presents recently, so perhaps that is not as serious an issue. I would disagree that the goal is saving money, and instead think it is spending money more efficiently, and would encourage collaboration to that end(I have some ideas for Mom & Dad). As for xmas lists, I would be happy to post, but as Mom and dad can attest, I don't know that they will be all that useful. Perhaps this is year will be different. Okay, I got to work early to get stuff done, and have spent the last 15 minutes looking at blogs and pics of the tree (good job btw). Off to correcting land for me.
Hi guys, I made it back to the bitter end and its wonderful to be back at my 2ndhome. As for christmas I understand not wanting things to pack and take up space, I have a very limited amount! I still feel strongly about getting gifts for you all. Not being home for christmas is hard and I like to give gifts. In a hipocritical way I dont want any gifts for myself because its a pain to send them, ect. So I guess I would say as long as everyone keeps it simple and if you get inspired for someone do it, if you dont noone is going to be offended in any way.
Sorry I haven't posted yet...I just found the comment feature. Sounds like everyone wants to get gifts for everyone, am I right? Do we all want to follow Kate and post a list? I'll start working on mine!
It does sound like we should continue to all give gifts to all. It also sounds like lean is the word this year. Let's all just do what we are comfortable doing knowing that we'll have a good time together and eating a huge feast. Speaking of the feast, send along ideas for what you would like to eat.
Reggie & Jen's Xmas list: 1. A house 2. A puppy 3. A kitten 4. Whirled Peas 5. A toaster/convection oven combo 6. A steamer (for clothes) 7. running tights (maybe??) 8. Duke to win the NCAAS 9. Duke tickets 10. Reggie to get a coaching job 11. Books 12. A life coach who specializes in organization (no, I am not kidding) 13. A personal trainer 14. Books on tape 15. Harry Potter British Editions, memorabilia, DVDs, etc. 16. Julia to get the IU job
Julia, we're not using our hot shot--you can have it. Jenny, we also have a toaster/convection oven that we kind of hate. It might be too big to transport, though. And as I said, it kind of sucks, though that might have to do with our bad electricity as much as the oven (not enough power-->dried-out toast).
Shoot, looks like Im last! Jules I too have a hot shot in my roomleft over from college I think.
All I want for christmas is: a work permit skype minutes you all to call my on my cell phone to use up those skype minutes! family vacation to the bvis and world peace
20 comments:
I think that we should continue talking about Christmas gifts.
I'll attempt to summarize what we talked about over the weekend.
Jenny's idea, that we would each be in charge of another person, has the advantage that we would each have only one person to find a present for. Also it would mean that we'd reduce clutter by getting only one gift rather than five smaller ones.
The problems with this plan were that it would require complicated exchanges money and also because it would keep people from deciding what they could afford to spend each year. Also, despite the drive to simplify, people didn't seem to want to give up on getting presents for everyone.
There was some confusion about whether we were talking about Christmas, birthdays, or both.
That's all I can remember for now.
Let's talk about Christmas only. I think that the idea of modifying gift giving makes sense. No one really needs more "stuff" to travel with or store in small apartments. Mom and I are trying to move things out of the house in anticipation of perhaps moving someday. (Of course, there are always things for the boat...) I think, though, that we all like thinking about each other as we plan on gifts. perhaps, we can find a way to give something that allows us to think about each other while not cluttering up each other's apts.
what if we did a theme of some sort, like practical gifts or location gifts? maybe that way we could do something that 1. people need (like gas cards, airline cards, or grocery cards) or things that will help us think of each other as we move apart.
Some ideas about Christmas gifts. Each suggestion is a separate idea.
1. Each person (kids) draws a name of one other person and gives a gift to them.
2. You can trade names if you have a good idea for someone but didn't draw their name.
3. We have a theme--like world peace -- and each gift is related to the theme.
4. Leave things as they are.
There are a few different goals circulating here, and I think that's why it's hard to see a single solution. As I see it they are:
1. Reduce accumulation of stuff
2. Reduce stress of finding gifts
3. Get people things they really want
4. Cut down on $ spent
For the first, we could encourage gifts that are small (e.g. jewelry) or consumable (e.g. food or activities). The picking-names plan also works for this.
I have some concern that picking names would not accomplish goals #2 and #4. For myself, this is a lean year, so I'd be afraid that whoever I had to get something for would be disappointed.
On #3, we could all be better about providing Christmas lists. The blog might be a good place to do it, because we can modify it as we come up with things. Maybe we should start a thread for each person.
PS--
Can we try to decide something by, say, the end of the week? We don't want to end up stuck with last-minute shopping!
I think we should keep things as they are, and if we want to go in on items together, as we have in the past, we will talk with people individually. I think we have thought about buying smaller or useful presents recently, so perhaps that is not as serious an issue. I would disagree that the goal is saving money, and instead think it is spending money more efficiently, and would encourage collaboration to that end(I have some ideas for Mom & Dad). As for xmas lists, I would be happy to post, but as Mom and dad can attest, I don't know that they will be all that useful. Perhaps this is year will be different. Okay, I got to work early to get stuff done, and have spent the last 15 minutes looking at blogs and pics of the tree (good job btw). Off to correcting land for me.
Jenny
Hi guys,
I made it back to the bitter end and its wonderful to be back at my 2ndhome. As for christmas I understand not wanting things to pack and take up space, I have a very limited amount! I still feel strongly about getting gifts for you all. Not being home for christmas is hard and I like to give gifts. In a hipocritical way I dont want any gifts for myself because its a pain to send them, ect. So I guess I would say as long as everyone keeps it simple and if you get inspired for someone do it, if you dont noone is going to be offended in any way.
Here are a few things I'd like to get for Christmas. It would be nice if you all would post a few things too!
1. Manduka yoga mat--purple travellite 71"
2. slippers
3. leg warmers (tall, but not too bulky, so I can wear them under pants)
4. socks (really)
5. coffee mug--ceramic, with cover; not necessarily one that fits in car cupholders
Jeff and I both want:
1. wand blender
2. meat thermometer (I broke our old one)
3. digital kitchen scale
Sorry I haven't posted yet...I just found the comment feature. Sounds like everyone wants to get gifts for everyone, am I right? Do we all want to follow Kate and post a list? I'll start working on mine!
It does sound like we should continue to all give gifts to all. It also sounds like lean is the word this year. Let's all just do what we are comfortable doing knowing that we'll have a good time together and eating a huge feast. Speaking of the feast, send along ideas for what you would like to eat.
OK, Here is Dad's list(not in any order):
1. Whatever
2. World Peace
3. Fight world hunger
4. Music
5. Food
6. Cure for cancer
7. Anti aging cream
8. A BIG feast at Christmas
Mom wants:
Guess what-----Books
Heres my list, boring, but needed.
*Iron
*Hot Shot
*Spice Rack
*Art (not originals, just wall stuff)
*Running Shorts
and well anything else that I may need for my new apartment I hopefully will be getting soon!
Reggie & Jen's Xmas list:
1. A house
2. A puppy
3. A kitten
4. Whirled Peas
5. A toaster/convection oven combo
6. A steamer (for clothes)
7. running tights (maybe??)
8. Duke to win the NCAAS
9. Duke tickets
10. Reggie to get a coaching job
11. Books
12. A life coach who specializes in organization (no, I am not kidding)
13. A personal trainer
14. Books on tape
15. Harry Potter British Editions, memorabilia, DVDs, etc.
16. Julia to get the IU job
Julia, we're not using our hot shot--you can have it. Jenny, we also have a toaster/convection oven that we kind of hate. It might be too big to transport, though. And as I said, it kind of sucks, though that might have to do with our bad electricity as much as the oven (not enough power-->dried-out toast).
Thanks for posting!
Shoot, looks like Im last!
Jules I too have a hot shot in my roomleft over from college I think.
All I want for christmas is:
a work permit
skype minutes
you all to call my on my cell phone to use up those skype minutes!
family vacation to the bvis
and world peace
miss you all!
I'm down for a family vacation. Anyone else? Maybe over April & we can get a deal?
Post a Comment