I came across a talk show the other day while flipping through the channels. A Psychologist was talking about in laws. The question was asked, "How do we include our in laws during the holidays?" His answer was.....it is important that you treat your in laws at least as good as your spouce treats them. If your spouce does not get along with his or her parents or visa vera, then communication is very important. Talk together and decide what the boundaries are and how involved you will let them be around the holidays. Respect each others feelings.
Same with your children during the holidays. Communication is so important before you go shopping. Moms and Dads have different expectations when it comes to buying gifts for the kids. Example..... Mom wants to buy the store out and Dad puts his foot down and says no way! Decide on a budget for the kids and you will have less stress, tension and arguing this holiday. Same with spending for family and friends. Great advise.
Different Expectations
I find that every Christmas I get the coolest stuff to put in Lances sock. I love to get things that are different, yet useful. I try to find different candy and not just the usual stuff. Yet when I get my sock, it usually has an orange, an apple, a soda pop, usually a deoderant and hair spray, licorice and an Almond Joy. I can count on it every year and it sometimes frustrates me that he is so' la- de- da 'about my sock. This year I thought about how to motivate him to do a little better in surprising me with different, fun stuff. You get the point that I love filling socks?
It is more fun than buying the presents.
I remember a fun thing that my sister in law use to do with her husband. They would set a money limit, then they would each go out the same night just before Christmas and see who could get the most stuff for the same amount of money. She said that they would both get very creative and had a blast. I think we'll try that this year. I'll let you all know how it goes.
Have Fun filling your socks this year, and be creative.
