Christmas Ideas

Well, the elections are over so I guess this will be the next topic for heated discussions in our family. As always, we have mixed opinions and are not afraid to speak up, which is one of the things that I count as a blessing-no one holds back :)
I have been thinking about this as well, I really feel that EVERYONE who wishes to should be part of a family drawing including those loved ones who are not blood related but we are lucky enough to call "family". And although it does bring us close to what we already do-I would like to include godchildren/godparents until they turn 21.
I don't think that it is only the economy-but the simple fact that as our family grows larger and larger (which is wonderful) you have to begin drawing some lines somewhere. Just as when we were growing up our grandparents, aunts and uncles had to.
The one thing that I would really miss would be the time that we spend together-that is the most precious to me and to my own family. If I could pool all of the money we spent and just bring EVERYONE together for our holiday I would give up every single gift given and received!!!
Our children (and ourselves) have so many precious memories of our family time together that no gift could ever replace......ask them what they got last Christmas and they probably could not tell you....ask them about our trips and they will rattle off a dozen stories!
And when you talk to our own cousins they will tell you how they miss our gatherings-I hope that we never allow that to happen because once you let it slip away it is very hard to return to. I know that just by moving I feel a disconnect that I have never felt before-so, whatever is decided I am just happy to be a part of such a fantastic family! I love you all and miss you SO MUCH
Love Sue