Archive: Around Town

I may be old school, but I like the idea of old fashioned gift giving where the recipient is surprised and excited about the gifts they receive during the holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions. The current trend seems to be that my children and grandchildren give me a link to a list of presents they want, which are usually more than I want to spend. I'm the one that carefully listens to my friends and family throughout the year for clues to what might make them happy to receive, and then when they open my present they are thrilled that I remembered them. I feel if I follow my usual pattern they will be disappointed. It is taking the fun out of holidays for me. How can I resolve this dilemma? I want to make gift giving enjoyable for me too.
Old School

Dear Old School: I hear you! The way we celebrate via gift giving has been "updated." One way to look at it is that when you receive a link, it's simply their old fashioned wish list prepared as children only in a new form. You probably honored that hand prepared wish list back in the day, and maybe included a surprise gift of your own from thoughtful listening throughout the year. You are never under an obligation to spend more than your limit, and I'd suggest you let your children and grandchildren know the dollar amount you are able to give. If there comes a time when you are not able to give a gift with a dollar value attached, I believe people still enjoy other heartfelt forms of giving, such as your time, for one. The Internet has taken the place of the old Wish Book, and we probably aren't going back. I understand how nostalgic the old ways make you feel and their absence is felt. I'm sure you're not alone in how your feel, and hope that you are able to ride this new wave and enjoy your holidays.

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