A Want, a Need, a Wear and a Read + a Give

Last year David and I started the tradition of scaling back and giving each other a want, a need, a wear, and a read for Christmas. It's fun to give and receive, but what do we really need? We both felt like our gifts in years past were thoughtful, but there are always those few that would potentially never be used, or needed. What can we make room for that will enhance our life, and be really enjoyable for the receiver? We agreed after last year that this was the method for us. It was easy throughout the year to pick up on clues and buy the perfect gift for each other.

This year when my dear friend Meg suggested that we add a "give" to the mix I jumped right on board and surprised David with a last minute task.

With a growing family we want to make sure we focused on not only ourselves, but to those who have less and need more. We are often thinking of ways to show our children how to live a life full of growth for self and others. We don't want to simply tell them, we must also be an example. The two of us have been thinking of creative ways to do so to promote interest.

We give throughout the year, but to give in someone's name is a welcomed thought in this household, so our tradition grows with our family. From here on out we will continue to donate something in each family members name,  wrap up the receipt, or a picture that that relates to the give for them to open on Christmas morning.

Here's the loot with a few pictures below:

David
Want: Stereo receiver with 7.1 surround
Need: Marmot 3 in 1 jacket
Wear: I went all out and instead of one thing I got him two hiking shirts and some Mountain Khakis. I totally broke the rules, but the man WILL NOT buy himself ANYTHING. Thus he really does need new clothes.
Read: Time Magazine and Relix
Give: 20 degree sleeping bag and headlamp for a homeless man who visits Peter Street Homeless Day Center. David has always said that if we were independently wealthy he would open a shelter.

Michelle

Want: Canon 580 Flash

Need: Knife sharpening certificate! I was so excited about this, David found a cool man out in Hull who sharpens not only knives, but also chainsaws and other interesting machines. He said we would be able to shave with our knives when he was finished with them. 

Wear: Boots!

Read: Plate to Pixel

Give: A donation in form of a Bookstore gift card for a women who recently obtained her GED through Action Ministries and will be headed on to Athens Technical School in a few weeks. Love me some higher education! You go girl!!! 

Singer

Want: Rody! We were in Treehouse when she went bananas over Rody. Only the yellow one would do.

Need: Cloth diapers

Wear: Fox leggings and a sleeper

Read: Madeline

Give: A donation to Nancy Travis Hope for Babies, Care for Kids. I am on the Board of this non-profit and we raise money to help families send their children to quality childcare centers in Athens. Because we are so thankful that I am able to stay home with Singer and she doesn't yet have philanthropic give close to her heart we picked one that she might appreciate.

 A fancy flash to take better low light pictures for the blog and our memories! 

 David's Give

 Why do I often look like a pirate? The knife sharpening gift certificate. 

Appropriate.

Yes, I wrote that. He was busy. ;) 

Gift Card donation to Athens Tech Bookstore

 Good thing she likes paper, she thought her Give was super cool. 

 Singer's new diapers. 

 Madeline +I'm already wearing the boots that he gave me. They were all over Pinterest . Once purchased from Free People's website they arrived, and we'll both tell you they don't look the same in person. We'll be sending them back due to weird slashes in the leather across the toes and heel. I tried to let them grow on me around the house and the slashes just don't do it for me. I'm back on the hunt for a new pair of boots.....

Her wears 

 Papa brings out Rody from behind the scenes. He was too big for a box, and she was immediately smitten (again) with him.  She takes off.....

We have everything we need, managed to avoid overconsumption and spending. Plus, we were able to put a lot of thought in to the five gifts for each of our family members.  I immediately started organizing the new and cleaning/donating out the old and no longer used.... Of course Santa stopped in for a visit, pictures on the way...