We have always kept Christmas simple and stress free.

From the begining, we only allowed our children to ask for two presents. One from Santa, and one from mom and dad. They had to really decide what they wanted. WE then would decide what else they needed or what WE wanted to give them beyond their two wishes.

We have traveled only once during Christmas, and it was a huge disappointment. To me it is MY family time, and I protect it dearly.

We have an "older" friend who does not have family - who comes and spends Christmas eve and Christmas with us. We've adopted her, so she is like family. Her birthday is actually on Christmas day. lol She is the most wonderful person - non-assuming, non-judgemental, helpful, and just a joy to have in our home.

The only thing that I dislike about Christmas is that I loooveee to give gifts, and often money is still tight around the holidays. If I could wave a magic wand around Novemeber, 5,000 would appear in my bank account, and I would be able to buy thoughtful, personalized gifts for everyone I know and love! (that would include all the boomer, of course!)

My family gets new Christmas "jammies" christmas eve, and we give them an ornamat every year that somehow represents the year. I tried a couple of years back to stop the "jammie" tradition, and my daughter had a fit. At 14 she still wanted to continue the tradition. How funny!

I make one type of Cookies that my children love - they are peanutbutter with a choc. hidden inside. They are scrumptious!

Anywho..that's my take on Christmas. I keep it simple.

danita