Christmas Presence

The number one wonderful thing about our Christmas was having everyone home--when your kids become adults you know that's not a given. 

The number two wonderful thing about our Christmas was the presents. From the time the kids were young, we always gave them money to buy presents for us and each other; I think it's important to model for your kids that you are as important as they are and this is one way to do that. Related: I have had friends whose families don't bake them cakes on their birthdays--I'm horrified (unless it's because somebody baked them a pie instead because they don't care for cake). 

There's something really special about a gift that says, "Clearly, I know how you are and what you like and I think this will make you happy." My kids generally nail it--especially with one another.

The Grownups had hot sauce made as wedding favors. Social Butterfly loooooved it. She was the delighted recipient of a case of her very      own private label.

I don't have a photo of it, but Mandy and MVP did a did a recipe box for Grownup Girl--he made the box and she stamped card stock (it looked fantastic) and then wrote out some family recipes on them. Lovely, no? 

Speaking of MVP and woodworking--my yoga-practicioner mountain man son made me this--and we all know I need a little more Zen in my life.

Clearly, this will require a trip to IKEA to stock up on votive candles.

 My Facebook friends will remember me crowdsourcing the choosing of a winter-staple brown and black purse (somehow non-daylight savings time saps from me the will to change bags to coordinate with my clothes). Lucky for me, Social Butterfly can take a hint and she can also offer Danger Boy the ability to buy his mom a gift she will love just by forking over some money to his little sister.

 

Black and cognac-- and the perfect size!

There were lots of other wonderful gifts, but the gift of togetherness truly is the best present a mom could have. 

Any memorable presents at your house?

Comments

[Karen (formerly kcinnova)]

Nice job done by your kids!
My second-born surprised me by coming up with some specialized beading tools. We gave the married couple an electric blanket because they always require so very many blankets; I think Rapunzel beamed for a full 5 minutes over that gift! And my husband surprised me by making me a bottle tree... I've wanted one for several years, and he'd hoped it was a passing phase. (I'll post pictures soon.)

[Jocelyn]

The Zen candle thingie is so aesthetically pleasing...as is that bag! I love the feeling of communion and true togetherness your family shares. You guys is the real deal!

[gary rith]

haha, your own CASE of hot sauce?!!!

[Green Girl in Wisconsin]

I got everyone exactly what they wished for with several surprises, so that made me happy. As far as GETTING things, well, to date no one here "gets" me, which I think is weird because I'm not complicated (I think!).
That candle holder is gorgeous.

[Jen]

Those gifts are awesome! Did Kinsey make any artwork as gifts? I am missing seeing her work!

I'm glad you had your whole family together for the holidays!

[Gail]

At least one of my children (one on east coast, one on west coast), send me a loaf of Grecian Sweet Braid, a tradition in our family. They went to see their father so I spent Christmas day with a friend of long standing and her family (which includes my stock broker). Great day!

[Busy Bee Suz]

Oh how SWEET. I love the thoughtfulness of them all. The girls loved purchasing gifts for everyone this year since they are both working.
My favorite gift? The girls are taking me to Sea World as soon as the three of us can coordinate our schedules. I only mentioned Sea World being my favorite place once or twice in the last year and they 'heard" me.
BTW: that purse is perfection!

[lanes]

Love the thoughtful, personalized nature of the gifts and that everybody got to hang out. We didn't do presents this year because we were traveling, but that was perfect.

[momtaxijulie]

How nice!

I was horrified when I met Scott and found out his parents didn't do anything for his birthday.