A Christmas Get Together

Once upon a time many moons ago...

The Pollards and the Browns got together on an annual basis. (We abandoned it when the Browns had a number of people that were allergic to smoke and the other side (the Pollards) would not enforce a no smoking policy within their houses that we had the party.

It grew at one time to be a gigantic party. It was such a good idea that the Pollards and the Browns would regularly add new families or part families to the the gatherings. The holiday meat was provided by the host. Everyone else would bring pot luck for 25+ people. It was great fun. The next person that would host the party received for the entire year a big gross orange and black wax bird. This too was coveted and it was an honor to host this party.

The main entertainment of the evening was this gift give. Everyone would gather around a spot and the selection numbers were handed out. Everyone at the party including kids had made something for (at that time under 10 dollars). They were all wrapped which added to the illustion) The first person to choose could pick from any of the boxes. The box selected was unwrapped and displayed. The second person then could choose that gift unwrapped from the first person or choose from the other boxes that were not opened. The third person could choose number one's unwrapped gift or number 2's unwrapped gift or open a new one from under the tree. Anyone who's gift was selected from them unwrapped then chose another gift to be unwrapped. This continued until all gifts are unwrapped. The person with the last number could choose any gift unwrapped or select the last gift chosen.

We have decided (there is buy in from the BrownKorbels, The Pat and Sue Browns, and the Wanda and Ken Browns so far)that this year we are using this for all family to family gifts on Christmas day. So instead of getting and giving gifts to Linzi and Heather and Sue and Pat,Mikie Sue, Bob, Kelly and Reza, Sean or Dom (if he comes) you make one gift that is made of materials that cost between 25 and 50 dollars (you may usse second purchase sources like Goodwill or Ebay) and wrap it up and put it under the tree for the unsuspecting person to select or trade for it.

Reasons for this:
More fun
Cost savings
Decrease that which in two years finds the land fill (sorry)
Its difficult for some to shop

Those gifts previously purchased for cross family connections may be used for appropriate birthday gifts throughout the year.

Welcome to an interesting piece of family history.

Love
Pat