- My fairly large extended (sibs and their kids) agreed years ago on a no-presents policy. That makes a family gathering more like Thanksgiving. Good. You can only bring wine or homemade cookies.
- Once kids reach 18, minimal presents. A winter coat, or boots, a book, or a framed photo, or similar. Presents are for kids. Youth will always appreciate money. though.
- I refuse to throw a Christmas party. It's just too much. Thus the Marital Veto is exercised. I am usually happy to throw a party, but not now.
- Christmas cards? They can go out late - or wait until next year. Who cares? We do not have a good family photo to use this year.
- Mrs. BD and I like to give each other a thing to do, to share, like a trip, a long-weekend away someplace nice, or an exercise program. My kids give me a stinky cheese. Perfect. When they get rich, they can give me caviar and rare stinky cheeses.
- The Tree. Mine keeps getting smaller despite protestations from the youth. Too bad. To keep it simple, I keep all of the tree ornaments in a chest in the living room, and I throw the lights in the trash every year. CVS has new.
- One party per night. Party-hopping wearies me.
- Church. We get there. It makes all the difference.
What do you do to keep it simple?
