I think this all makes me upset for two reasons. Reason 1: we live on a very tight budget and I don't want to waste my money getting things people don't want. When I ask for a list, it's because I seriously want to know what is wanted or needed. If that's laundry detergent, then great! I'll buy that. I don't care as long as it's something that is appreciated. Don't waste my time or money sending me to get unwanted, expensive junk, please. Reason 2: It makes me mad that Christmas has become about presents and not togetherness and charity and giving from the heart. My kids love picking out gifts for the giving tree and Toys for Tots. They would be just as happy getting $5 to go spend on something to donate to the Children's Center or buy books for the library. That's how they are. That's how we are. We give gifts to our friends because we want to and the kids pick them out. They love making other people happy. I want to continue that. I want to foster that.
Lately Christmas seems more like an obligation. We need to get people gifts because it's polite, not because we really care. Homemade gifts? Forget about it. Those aren't appreciated. Why? Why has it become so materialistic? What do my kids really want for Christmas? To spend time with people they care about. What do Husband and I want for Christmas? A break. Since those won't happen, I'd be content with some Ecos Laundry Detergent and a bottle of Captain Morgan's Private Stock.