And the ideas just keep getting better...

I have talked with Heather and Adrienne about this idea and we all agree that we could really simplify Christmas this year.  If we all pitch in $20 bucks to Mom and Dad to aid in getting gifts for the kids, then that eases the burden on everyone.  No one has to save a month's worth of work to pay for the cousin gifts.  The kids still get gifts, but not so many that it overwhelms the spirit of Christmas or the toy box.  If you really, really want to buy gifts for the kids, maybe you could go shopping with Mom and/or Dad.  Or if they want help, maybe you could at least be willing to offer it.  (I would love to go shopping with you guys if you wanted to do it in July :)

For the sibling exchange, we'd do something totally different as well.  We each buy a $20-25 gift card to be used on a date.  Then when we'd usually do the exchange we play a little game to exchange cards (I say we, but it would really be you... since we won't be there).  This way we don't end up cluttering one another's homes, but we get something we all need... a nice date that we might otherwise get to go on.  Adrienne and Heather both suggested that whoever's card you end up with will babysit your kids while you use their card.  That sounds like a great idea to me.  Mom and Dad could even participate in this exchange rather than buy for all of us, if they'd like.  

OK, so far this is the idea going around.  What do you think?  Talk about it with those who are too cool for the blog and see what they think.  I know its May, and if we end up with this plan it won't really matter having it planned this far in advance, but if we go with other plans then I'd like time to budget and shop for it.  Thanks for working with me!  I love ya!