I have been doing this for years with my grown kids......rather than presents of "stuff" I give memberships to museums (this one is easy when your son and DIL live in NYC), tickets to plays or sporting events for my daughter and hubby, there are great ideas for grand kids.....ballet lessons, zoo camp, summer camp.....anything that keeps the money, and them participating, in the local community.
Our big gifts are often donations to charities that the recipient supports along with a homemade gift. I believe the materialistic orgy most indulge in is a spit in the face of he whose birthday we celebrate. Time with family appreciating the wealth of blessings we enjoy each and every day- that's my idea of a perfect way to spend the holy day. Last year we packed up bags consisting of chemical handwarmers, mittens one of my nieces had spent the year knitting, packets of peanut butter crackers, raisins and beef jerkey. On Christmas eve we drove downtown to pass them out to the homeless. Every year the host plans an activity where we share our good fortune. I can't wait to find out what we will be doing this year!
