I don't think you're a scrooge. You're just realistic.

Maybe I'm a scrooge. I love getting together with different groups of people over the holidays. I just hate the idea of bring a name-the-dollar-amount gift. Like I need or want one more pretty but useless $10 item.
I suggested to one group that we draw names and, instead of buying a gift for that person, we'd buy a toy that reminds of us that person. We get to unwrap them and laugh about them, but then the new, unwrapped toy is given to some charity that's collecting toys. I love this idea. Unfortunatley, the others didn't.

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~Jeweled

Why do we have to buy something so show that we care? I would much rather just get together with friends and family and share great stories and food!

make memories not clutter

Could they not have chosen a place that wasn't so expensive??! Maybe you can suggest a nice, but affordable restaurant...one that's not going to cost $65 for 2!! YIKES!! I freak out when the 4 of us go to Applebee's, and it's over $50!! lol Anyway, I really like the idea of swapping child care with another mom. I mean, this time of year, we moms are always looking for a few kid free hours to shop, wrap, relax, go out, etc. Good luck with this one!

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~*~ Angie~*~
Wife to Brian
SAHM to Sarah & Andy 2/11/2000