I have recently noticed an interesting family trait. It is very difficult to get a straight answer from anyone in my family. Last Christmas, someone brought up the idea of drawing names instead of buying for everyone. We have been discussing this for ten months now and have not come to a decision. The most common answer is "I don't care, I'll go along with what everyone else decides." We are all (myself included) very agreeable which makes us easy to get along with in the outside world, but when we are all together - not much gets accomplished. I think it might be a fun experiment to make some outrageous demands and see if anyone challenges me. Ya know - stir things up a bit. But then again, this inner need to please everyone won't let me.

So here's my honest opinion on drawing names: I don't like it. I enjoy buying for everybody. There's only nine adults including myself and my husband. If we as a couple spent $30.oo on each person, we would be spending $210.00. If we each drew a name and had to spend about $100.00 on a large gift for one person, we'd be spending $200.oo.
So money is not an issue. We of course would all buy for all the kids. Of the four grandchildren, three are mine - so I do see how this is not fair for the others, but am not even sure if this is an issue for them - and if it was, I don't think that they'd tell me.
I enjoy giving. I also enjoy the whole shopping experience..Hunting for the perfect thing for each person. I admit that out of all the presents that I buy for Christmas, only one or two would qualify as the "perfect" gift. Many are last minute panic gifts, but the thought is always there. Just because I didn't find the "perfect" gift doesn't mean that I wasn't looking for it. Anyway...I'm rambling. Just so everyone is clear - I'd prefer to buy for everyone in the family this year. But of course, If you all decide to draw names, I'll gladly go along. (I know you just rolled your eyes!)