Tuesday, December 16, 2008
My family has decided to give "the family gift exchange" another try. We used to do it, back when we consisted of mainly newlyweds and singletons. When we started producing children it got more and more difficult. Then one year Devanie suggested we do the exchange by family instead of by individual. Oh the outrage! How dare an in-law try and change the family tradition! And just like that the tradition was done away with. Too much fighting over how it should be done. Well, honestly, I miss the family exchange. As an adult there's not a whole lot of the surprise factor in Christmas anymore. Mark and I try but when I'm the one paying the bills and our house is so puny, it's hard to hide anything. But with outside family, at least there's somewhat of a surprise on Christmas morning. So I suggested we give it a whirl and try it Devanie's way--by family. And, for an added twist we'd do it by theme. This year's theme is "a favorite family treat." Next year we'll do a favorite family game or a favorite family book or a favorite family movie. I've heard what other family members are planning on sending and I'm totally loving it. It's inexpensive, you only have to mail one package, and it's a great way to learn what everyone else has been eating (or playing or watching or reading or doing.) And with six kids it's nice not to have to shop for six more on top of the six more I already have to do with the Henrichsen exchange. I highly recommend it!
Anyway, Chris suggested her own exchange back around Thanksgiving time--a family ornament exchange. Each family is supposed to make one ornament for each family member in the Stout family. And then, we send them to each other and hang them on our trees. I hear Chris has gone all out with her ornaments and Melanie has come up with her own great idea. I found my idea in a magazine but it turned out so cute I just have to share. I'm already planning next year's ornament and the next year's. It's going to be a set of at least three. I can hardly wait. It was super simple and a great way to recycle old lightbulbs. Behold. . . the ornament!
Want to make your own? See how to do it here. But if you're a Stout don't bother. I already made you one. And don't worry. As soon as I get the other homemade ornaments from the rest of the family, I'll post pictures.
posted by Shana # 3:05 PM 
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