myhomeideas.com photo Becky Luigart/StaynerWhat really makes Christmas for me is the time spent with my family and friends, and the traditions that we've developed over the years. We have several traditions, but one is the fun and simple way that we exchange gifts. For many of us this is one of the few times we're able to see each other throughout the year because we're separated by miles. Keeping it simple and inexpensive takes the stress out of gift giving and allows us to keep the focus on how much we enjoy being together.
marthastewart.com On my side of the family, we've been doing a variation of the Yankee Swap for quite a few years now. I actually didn't know it was called the Yankee Swap until I saw it on Martha's website. We set a small budget amount, and each person brings a gift appropriate for their gender or one that could be appreciated by both. When it comes time to open gifts we sit in a circle (I have a large family and it's growing every year so the circle is a big one!), as much as possible, and pile the gifts, separated by male/female/either, in the center. The first person chooses a gift and unwraps it. The next person has the choice of taking that gift that's already been opened or opening a new one from the center. Each subsequent family member does this as well. The game continues until everyone has a gift. We all have so much fun interacting while we're opening the gifts and I'm sure we'll keep this tradition for years to come.
myhomeideas.com photo Becky Luigart Stayner
If you're looking to create some new traditions, parents.com has some suggestions in their slideshow titled 14 Ideas for Creating Family Traditions.
myhomeideas.com Photo Thomas J Story What is your favorite family tradition?
I'm linking this to Works for Me Wednesdays at We Are That Family because our family traditions work for me!
Also linking to Holiday Linky Friday at the Inspired Room
The Dare To Have Traditions Party at the NewlyWoodwards.
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