Holiday Spirit

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One of my absolute favourite family traditions happens at the large Woods' Christmas Dinner with all of the extended family present.  Instead of buying insignificant gifts for each other, years ago we decided we would do a Secret Santa with a twist.  Each family member draws the name of another - aunt, uncle, cousin, etc - but instead of buying a gift for one another, we buy a toy that represents that person in some way. 

The toy can represent anything from the person's job, to one of their hobbies, to an inside family joke... anything.  Each person unwraps their gift, and the hilarity ensues!  It's great fun for everyone in the family, because when people get creative, the laughs are abundant.

Once everyone has opened their gift the toys get placed in a bin, and are donated to Toy Mountain.  

We love that we all get the fun of opening gifts, and keeping up traditions, but most of all it feels amazing to donate the gifts to charity and really get into the essence of the holiday spirit - it's just awesome!

Happy Holidays!
Wendy