Larry and I decided that this year we would teach the kids about holiday gift-giving. In the past, the kids have not exchanged gifts with each other, and I think it is about time they learned how to do so!
So here is what we are doing. We are asking each of our kids to think of a gift for each of their brothers/sister, within a budget of course, which Larry and I will pay for. I will take each of them shopping to purchase their gifts for each other, at which time I can (hopefully) provide a bit of guidance.
We had fun explaining the idea to the kids last night. I told them that giving is actually an activity that makes you feel good, and the kids were quite intrigued by that idea. They were so excited last night that they immediately started making lists and going on the computer looking for ideas!
I am hoping that the result of this little experiment is that the kids will learn that giving, especially when done with real thought and effort, is just as rewarding for the giver as it is for the receiver. And I am also hoping that gift-giving among our children will turn into a tradition that lasts the rest of their lives!