So this is the real post about presents. We're going to get it figured out, once and for all here. And quickly, since the ho-ho-ho-day is trampling toward us with the speed and vigor of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Before we draw names, I want to see what everyone thinks of this new idea: instead of us just drawing one name, what if we drew two? I mean, I understand why everyone doesn't buy a present for everyone (8x8=64 presents). At the same time, it seems a mite miserly to have over-reacted by cutting down the total number of present transactions to 8. What if we did 16? That would be two presents per person. That would still be less than you'd have to buy if you lived in a smaller family of only three siblings. Any surely, families of three siblings would be ashamed to institute the sort of One Child, One Present policy that has yoked our generous tendencies these four or five Christmases past.
Please leave comments debating the merit of this new suggestion. Everyone would get two presents. 2 x presents = twice the fun and twice the Christmas spirit. Anyone concerned about this idea from a financial standpoint, please see me privately. Daniel, we might be able to discuss termporary absolving you of your Mario Kart debts during the holiday season, particularly if you draw my name.
7 comments:
And to think I felt badly, earlier this evening, when I called 1208 and thought I had awakened David from peaceful slumber. He may have sounded sleepy and innocent, but he was, instead, concocting a new plan to acquire extra Christmas gifts this year, since the last plan got shot down by his most reverent brother-in-law! I will credit him for at least evening things up a bit!
i like this idea!!
David, we wouldn't actually have to do 64 presents if we gave gifts to everyone since we wouldn't give them to ourselves (unless we're very egotistical). I believe the correct calculation would be 8*7=56. But actually we would each only purchase 7 gifts (Steve and I would end up with 14 to buy!). I do agree that would be an extremely excessive amount of gifting - putting a serious financial strain on most of us.
Steve and I will go along with whatever the majority decides, though we don't actually need more stuff, and 2 presents may indeed equal twice the fun, but it also equals twice the "stuff" that we need to find space for in our already cramped space and twice the time it's going to take us to complete our shopping (which is somewhat limited as we'll be out of town all week next week).
I can solve your problems Rachel, just give people my shopping list for Christmas, give me the gifts when no one is looking I will find a place for the stuff here, and save you the space and bother of trying to fit it into your house. I will sacrifice my space for your gifts. What a unique idea for the holidays!
I'd just hate to see the Christmas spirit spread so thin. I mean, I can only split a dollar so many times. And just think of the logistics of sending twice (twice!) the presents by post. The PO would rake in the profits while our realized present value diminished. It's clear to me that you haven't performed a full cost-benefit analysis on this one, David. But seriously, I'd rather stick with one present. We can ammend the system by allowing any person to purchase a second present for any person(s) of their choosing. I know, of course, that I will hear complaints from you equalitarians out there. Therefore, I also propose that we amend the system to allow simultaneous gift opening. In the hectic shredding of paper and bows, the inequaility of gifts will be blurred.
What?!! Simultaneous gift opening?!! Nobody would know who got what, from whom, and there would be such chaos and confusion (more than usually exists at 1208) with multiple excited inquiries of, "What did you get?" and "Who had your name?" The Gifter and others cannot really partake of the joy of the Giftee, when he/she opens a gift, when everybody's going at it helter skelter. Mother objects! But if you must, give it a try, and see what you think.
Watch out, Blogspotsecurity! Big Mother, (I mean Brother) is watching you, during this Christmas season! You wouldn't want to forfeit what precious little you might receive, would you?
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