Each year after Christmas, school age children return to school and ask one another what they got for Christmas. I remember being asked and asking others this same question. As I have gotten older, the same question still exists with mild variations, but increasingly I cannot recall what I have gotten nor what I have given to my children and the other loved ones in my life. Each holiday becomes less about candy, gifts, and stuff and more about time together. So now, when I get asked that questions...I sit and think. So two years ago, I realized that as part of my holiday planning and to try and keep track of what I had bought I would create lists. In 30 years, I am sure I will look back on this and think it is great. I've decided to share what the kids have gotten from us their parents and their siblings the last two years.
First note: we tend to stick to 3 gifts from parents to kids as well as one another. Then the kids get three siblings gifts for a total of 6. Occasionally they may get more than one item but in a themed gift. Additionally they also get gifts from grandparents, friends, or others. With all of this generosity in their lives we felt like 3 gifts was plenty.
2020 - Year of Covid Christmas
Travis: (2) 72 hours kits, Fireplace tools kit, and Ring doorbell and chime; First aid kit for the car, fairy lights, nose hair scissors, thick socks
Mary: Roomba, Running Shoes, Hammock; Curling iron, game, boots, and sweatshirt
Isabella: Ski tickets, happy light, phone car chargers and usbc port; mount for car phone, g-2 pens, dice and cards
Wyatt: Ski tickets, khaki shorts, leather wallet; water bottle, book of silent longings, Tul pens
Issac: Ski tickets, can jam, lego temple; Amiibo, socks, Oculus game
Kody: Ski tickets, black watch, new shoes; whitening strips, Guesstures, socks
2021 - Year of Abundance
Travis: New outdoor gas grill, range finder, and reloading parts; twinkle lights, reloading trimmer, funnel, and another reloading piece
Mary: Retractable screen door, new toilet seat, and tbd as the one gift didn't work (outdoor lights); salt spray, salt spray, puzzles, and photo storage bin
Isabella: Spice kit/kitchen basket (Mexican vanilla), steamer, food processor; sports bra, black leggings, whitening strips
Wyatt: Standing desk, luggage, switch game; new darts, Mcdonalds hat, papa johns hat
Issac: Amiibo, Jumper cable independent start, lego white house; car Alexa, car stand/car charger, root beer making kit, eye cover for sleeping
Kody: LED lights, Airpod case and stickers, Nike sneakers; sweatshirt, posters for room, ???
Baked goods at the holidays that the kids must have:
- Puppy Chow
- Peanut Butter Fudge
- Crack Brownies
- Pretzel Rolo bites
- Pretzel rods dipped in chocolate
- Jam Print Cookies
- Toffee
- Cathedral Windows
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Sugar Cookies with sprinkles
