Christmas shopping 2008

[AGDee]

I should have mentioned that my brother and I have a disco ball Christmas ornament that travels back and forth between us. It started when we were kids in the 70's and my mom got the ornament. This was in the Disco days. One rock radio station here gave out DREAD cards (Detroit Rockers something Against Disco) and my brother had a DREAD card. So, being the pesky little sister that I was, I put the disco ball on his side of the tree (we each had a side where our presents went and where we hung special ornaments of ours). The next day, it appeared on my side of the tree. It would go back and forth the whole time. The first Christmas after he got married, I bought him his very own disco ball ornament which, every few years, shows up back at my house. Of course, it gets sent back to him too

[Pike/PhiDeltmom]

Simple......really, really simple this year. For years we had an unbelievable number of beautifully wrapped presents under the tree, everything from the big, extra special gifts to socks and candy. I was raised that way and carried on the tradition with my own family. I spent countless hours searching for the perfect gifts for everyone then hours upon hours wrapping them up. I received practically no help from my husband or sons. I'm sure If I'd had daughters we would have treasured these hours bonding and laughing. (or maybe not, I'll never know) Anyway, not this year. My husband and I aren't exchanging gifts because we are saving up for a trip to Spain next May. As for my sons, the younger one is going on a short cruise (found a great deal on line) with his girlfriend and the older one is getting cash. As for my wonderful parents who started it all, they will receive cash, too. Of course once the sales start the day after Thanksgiving, I'll need to remind myself, no need for shopping. Keep it simple....... really simple this year.