Every year our family grows larger. Grandchildren are older now and some have mates we consider to be family. What used to be a small family gathering for Christmas has turned into a crazy throng of bodies that remind me of the Griswold Family Christmas.
Gift-giving has become a nightmare! Gift cards seem too heartless but on the other hand, trying to figure out what people really want is more than a chore.
When we were youngsters, my brother and I were aware that Christmas gifts would be very predictable. Our stockings would hold a variety of nuts, oranges, new mitts and some trinkets purchased at the local Woolworths store. One main gift would await us under the Christmas tree. Life was fairly simple and besides, it was postwar. Only my Dad worked outside the home so money was very limited.
Today filling stockings is the least of our worries. In this electronic world there is no way we can keep up to date with the wants and needs of the current generations.
Our solution came a number of years back from our granddaughter Elise who suggested that maybe we could just experience something as a family. It was a great idea so we have continued that tradition fairly successfully.
So as of recent years, each grandchild and child receives a present. Judy has trouble with this aspect. Somehow the single gift idea has been forgotten but the concept is good.
Judy and I then write a cheque for each family which is to be used for "an experience."
Since that decision was made some time back, the tradition has continued. Somehow it has become a singular event that we all anticipate. One family and a wonderful experience.
Since the choice is the grandchildren’s, the event tends to remain fairly static. The Medieval Times feast in Toronto seems to be the choice of the kids at this point but I have a feeling that’s about to change as I sense the older kids are outgrowing the event. Who knows?
Now I still have a problem with my dear wife who forgets that trying to keep the gifts per child consistent is impossible. Suddenly we find one child has an extra gift so the others must be topped up to match. They never do! I suggested we just drop the extra gift but no, we must even things up by topping up everyone else. No wonder I’m broke.
Anyway as much as the Christmas season brings its challenges, we still manage to smile, and enjoy one another’s company.
Sadly, but in recent years, the celebration of Christmas tends to forget its true meaning. Christmas concerts and Christmas Eve services help to remind us of its beginning. As the old saying goes, “Jesus is the reason for the season.”
Merry Christmas from the Waltons! Kent can be reached at [email protected].
