Christmas Presents

I've been thinking a lot about Christmas and presents and kids. I want to share with you my best advice.

First, release yourself from the thought you have to buy new--you don't. Seriously...what does it matter if you buy them an almost new game through someone on Marketplace or if you pay double or triple at the store. Better yet what if you buy that toy from a mama whose child is a bit older and uninterested in it and now she has some cash to purchase something she needs. And if you are thinking about the impact on the earth--reduce, reuse, recycle is always good.

Second, if your kids need socks, don't wrap them and put them under the tree to make Christmas bigger. It makes it harder when there are leaner years. Just give them the socks, because you were going to buy them anyway! Unless, things are tight and you need to give them socks to give them gifts--it can work either way!

Third, if you have "curious" kids. Create a present code. One girlfriend buys a different wrapping paper for each kid and then breaks the code Christmas day. I tag the gifts in codes. One year it was animals in the water and animals on land. Another year I used colors--warm vs. cool.

AND if you have other tips or ideas, please share them with me! I'm always looking for more ideas!!!