Ban the Xmas Gift Lists

In recent years, the advent of the holidays always brings with it the advent of mild depression, and I know that this is the case for many people.

In my case, I think it has the most to do with a lack of small children in the house, and missing family members, as well as a deep aversion to “the list”.

I used to totally shopping for gifts for the kids, along with decorating, baking a zillion kinds of cookies, and all those other things that are traditional.  But then, the time came when the freaking list became the foundation for all things Christmas, and there went most of the JOY.

When kids are young, you can get away with out a list from them. You pretty well know what they are craving, and you have the fun of shopping for not only those things, but the things that you know they will love but really don't expect. Once they get older, it's a very different matter indeed, and the Xmas list becomes de rigueur, a mandate from the kids, and shopping for Xmas becomes a boring, unsatisfying chore.

I hate the freaking lists, and to my three guys, let this post be my proclamation of independence.

No more bloody lists. You have been forewarned.

Comments

[Øyvind]

I think the development of lists are disturbing, I feel with you.

In our family a few kids created a list with the name of the toy, the price, the catalog they found it and page number! What have the world come to?

[Anna]

I completely understand and agree Nicole. My two daughters (19 and 16) let me know what websites they wanted stuff from, including item #s! My youngest even printed out the page from the online store!

[Joel]

Hahaha. My kids have grown up too and I've stopped making a list years ago. The only list we have for Christmas is what to prepare for our Christmas feast. We distribute packed dinners for the homeless in our area. Last year, we shared our blessing with 15 homeless families. It's only the 2nd week of December and I have counted 23 already. I'm sure that the number will grow as the Christmas week draws near. This economic situation really sucks.

[nicole]

@ Øyvind ....I know, it makes me sad. We never gave our parents a list.

@ Anna .....No fun is it? My Mother used to ask us what we wanted, even when we were adults. I always told her that she should buy whatever she wanted, because I would like it. I was just trying to avoid making it less fun for her too, lol.

@ Joel .....that is a really good thing you are doing! :)