As my family grew with nieces and nephews, we slowly reduced the number of gifts and put a limit on the amount spent. Eventually, I no longer stayed in Canada for Christmas, so I didn’t have to worry about the craziness. Last year I invited some friends who were not going to their home countries to my place for Christmas dinner. I told them to bring one wrapped gift of no more than $15 that could be for a male or female for a Christmas game. After we ate dinner, I wrote a number on a piece of paper. One for each person and put the numbers into a bowl. Each person drew a number. The individual who drew number 1 went first to all the gifts that were brought and picked the one they wanted and opened it in front of everyone. The person with the number 2 had the choice of picking a different gift or taking the gift from person 1, if they wanted. If they took the gift, person 1 would choose a new one. As more people open gifts there is more option to take someone else’s gift. So, person 8 could take the gift from person 3, who could then take the gift from person 5, who could take from person 7, who might then take a new unwrapped one. This continues until the last gift is opened. It’s a very fun game, everyone gets something and you can use any price limit you want.
This year will be my first time in Canada for Christmas since 2010. I am looking forward to being there and having a white Christmas. I love the city, homes, and stores being decorated with colorful lights. Holidays should be more about presence with loved ones than presents under the tree. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying don’t buy gifts for people if you want to and you can afford it. I just think people are missing the point of the holiday season: Spend Time With Loved Ones And Family. You don’t know if they will be here next year, or even next month.