Well, the season of mixed upness for me is ending. Cultural confusion as my spouse and his family are Jewish, I am not christian but do celebrate Christmas for the tradition of green life in the house, renewal of life in the darkness, and family. This year we were negligent mostly with the observation of Channukah. Gifts from in laws to kids. Kids enjoy that and do know their hebrew songs and prayers. I struggled with the whole gift thing for Christmas. I think that even as kids are older they don't necessarily understand financial limits. Not that they really asked for stuff but my wish to give them gifts of the heart. My youngest tried on a coat a few months ago when I was doing something in a small little clothing store in town. She hates coats, says the arms are too short and she feels confined. Thus a teenager going out in 15' weather with her mom in a flutter because I KNOW she will freeze. So I put the coat on lay-away, an expensive one at that. But I knew she would like it. A friend of mine had given me polar fleece socks and a vest for her as well. My son presented me with several pairs of pants when he was home over thanksgiving. They were mostly rags. I had already gotten him a few things and gave him a pair of jeans. He got clothes, 5 pairs of pants, a sweater, and a polo shirt. Some of this was second hand stuff. 4 pairs of pants were carharts that he will have difficulty ripping. He also got socks. My oldest daughter got a cd player for her car, a pair of very nice boots, and soaps, lotions etc. Everyone was content and another year gone. I struggle with expectations for this time of year. I want to have my kids get things that are cool and meaningful to them. I did NOTHING yesterday but watch movies while the kids cooked. Then I ate and couldn't move. Oh my. I think they are understanding a bit. But they don't know about money. My youngest speant about 175.00 on gifts and food. And I can't see where it went? We are not a commercial family. I am a painfully practical person. The impractical thing was the car stereo but she's a teen and teens have cd players.