on giving

this year, my family decided we wouldn't do a gift exchange for christmas. g and i also agreed to do the same. there have been some big expenses (ahem, paris), new family investments, and a wedding ceremony in our foreseeable future. naturally, it just felt right that we would share a low-key holiday, gifts not included.

i must say, this no-spending-on-gifts-you-will-probably-never-use decision was a great one. this entire holiday season, i have not fallen victim to the absurdly crowded shopping malls in an effort to cross people off my list. i never even had to make a list! not once did i have to guess and guess and guess what this person wants or what that person already has. and to top it all off, i don't have to try my hands at wrapping (lord knows how much i hate/cringe at the thought of wrapping).

this year, we agreed to all be together. to prepare a feast, drink some festive (and boozy!) cocktails, and just be. there won't be a "let's open presents" time and no one will have to hide their "what in the heck am i going to do with this" face. instead, we will take time to talk and share stories and work on a puzzle and sit outside by the fire and be so incredibly thankful that we have each other...the greatest gift of all.

here's to the warmest of holidays spent with the people you adore!