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I know this is going to get some responses - but I'm not trying to be negative.
Look into your Ritual. I don't remember ANYTHING that says a Big needed to spend her entire college savings on a little sis. Also, spending a week buying gifts and spending money takes away from the CHARM and EXCITEMENT of Initiation.
Please, whatever ideas you do come up with for your "rose week" "I-week" celebrations - don't forget why you're there. And don't make the pre-initiation parties bigger and more exciting than Ritual itself. Ritual should be the HIGHLIGHT of the week. (and to be really on the HQ train - it should NOT be a week of celebration). Ritual should not be a let down after all the gift giving.
If your chapter has not already done so - please suggest putting a limit on the amount of money that is spent on lil sis gifts. That way one New Member isn't getting more than others. You shouldn't be rich to be a big sis. You should be an elder sister willing to guide your lil through her chapter experience.
In the chapter I advise- they actually buy gift packs from The Emporium so that everyone is equal. They also buy their lavalier and exchange panda paddles.
I'm not saying that you shouldn't give gifts - but look around. Is everyone getting the same amount or are there those that can afford to spurge? Does that make their lil sisters better? Of course not. Think of the lil sisters when they're together and make sure that they ALL feel welcome.
When you get back to school, pull out the Ritual book and read it alone. See what you feel. Look into your heart and then come up with the appropriate gifts. Really, if we don't have our Ritual - why are we in our sorority?
Roses,
Heidi
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