Matt & I have not exchanged gifts at Christmas since very early in our marriage (25 years in 2024!). We do the same as you and Sue — we buy things for each other (or the house or plan a vacation) as the thought comes to us. We enjoy surprising each other throughout the year, and do not put pressure on holidays (anniversaries, birthdays, Xmas, etc…). We have raised Milo similarly, although he has turned into a surprisingly great gift-giver. He and his friends exchange gifts often, not just at Xmas, and he always puts so much thought into them… it’s really fun to see. I often wonder what his future partner will be like. Did they grow up with mounds of gifts under the tree once a year? If so, how will they navigate that relationship… well, Matt & I figured it out (he was from a gifty fam, I was not… Norwegians are much like Swedes in that area). Happy holidays, B&S… we love you guys, treasure your friendship (we’re your family now!), and look forward to seeing you in ‘25 and what Whimventures™ you crazy kids get up to!
Matt & I have not exchanged gifts at Christmas since very early in our marriage (25 years in 2024!). We do the same as you and Sue — we buy things for each other (or the house or plan a vacation) as the thought comes to us. We enjoy surprising each other throughout the year, and do not put pressure on holidays (anniversaries, birthdays, Xmas, etc…). We have raised Milo similarly, although he has turned into a surprisingly great gift-giver. He and his friends exchange gifts often, not just at Xmas, and he always puts so much thought into them… it’s really fun to see. I often wonder what his future partner will be like. Did they grow up with mounds of gifts under the tree once a year? If so, how will they navigate that relationship… well, Matt & I figured it out (he was from a gifty fam, I was not… Norwegians are much like Swedes in that area). Happy holidays, B&S… we love you guys, treasure your friendship (we’re your family now!), and look forward to seeing you in ‘25 and what Whimventures™ you crazy kids get up to!
I was from the family that gave gifts- later it became a way to show your ranking in the family… It took me a while to embrace just giving for giving.
Oof… “we’re your family now” was not supposed to sound quite so threatening. ;)
I feel very threatened…