Thanksgiving is here!
The turkey is ready to go in the oven…..
Our family will gather soon!
Black Friday is tomorrow….and I WON’T be out there!
Why?
We have a wonderful tradition in our family that simplifies gift giving….
The adult brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews know what they want and they buy it…so finding the right gift is always a challenge!
But….giving gifts is fun and sharing is what the season is about!
Sooo….a couple of years ago we decided that our extended family would Adopt a Family (actually 2 families)through our county outreach program!
Now….we still get to shop and buy and give…
In November we receive the names and ages of the kids and adults in the families.  
There are 2 “gift requests/suggestions” for each child.  The adults indicate preferred store for a gift certificate!
Imagine….somebody else makes the list!!!!
Everybody picks the gifts they want to buy…..
The people from far away send checks….no shipping required!
 We tuck in lots of little stocking stuffers….
I still get to wrap gifts….and use some pretty bows!
 
We haul the “Santa Sacks” off to the drop-off on December 15th….
Happily Done!
I cannot tell you how this has “de-stressed” the whole shopping craziness….to actually know what to buy….
and…
best of all, know that the gifts are needed and will be well appreciated!
Now….the only shopping we need to do is for immediate family members!
Now THAT is Sweetwater Style!