Comments on: The Perfect Christmas Gift

By: Charlie

Charlie — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:59:38 +0000

Trent: I wholeheartedly agree. You said it perfectly… The perfect gift is the moments with family, and the “I get to watch…”

By: Roger

Roger — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 18:31:20 +0000

Very nice; a wonderful sentiment for this time of year. Thanks for sharing, Trent.

By: Kevin M

Kevin M — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:01:54 +0000

I told my wife last night after we got home from our Christmas gatherings…this is really the first year I had no desire to even receive a gift. I didn’t mind giving stuff to people, but like you, it was really about hanging out with family, talking and having fun this year.

I just feel truly blessed for all that’s been given to us…a beautiful son, our health, great families, good jobs, I can’t help but feel a little guilty for having so much when some out there have so little.

By: Anna

Anna — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 18:40:17 +0000

One year, when I had hardly any money, I put my pennies together and got two small photo albums. Then I went through years of family photos and assembled a personalized volume for each son, starting with earliest baby photos and going through college graduation. Into the first page, I slipped a fancy title page that said “The Life and Times of [Name].” Both said it was the best present ever.

By: Ethan Bloch

Ethan Bloch — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 17:41:10 +0000

This was truly touching and I couldn’t agree more. I should said I don’t actually celebrate Christmas, but can still totally relate.

Happy Holidays!

Ethan

By: Robert

Robert — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 13:47:33 +0000

I’d have to agree that Christmas is about the time we get to spend with those we are close to. The memories we make will long outlast the gifts themselves anyway.

By: Bruce

Bruce — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 12:08:26 +0000

Merry Christmas.

By: Karen Bethel

Karen Bethel — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 02:13:58 +0000

Lou,
Those are the best gifts…they create memories and the photos bring back good memories! Excellent and thoughtful gifts!
Thanks for sharing!
Kbet

By: Lou

Lou — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 02:05:47 +0000

Lovely post. And an excellent approach for young householders.

I’m at the geriatric stage of the life cycle, so shopping & toting are less easy than they were. Also, we need less ourselves, and are less often in stores. Finally, we have limited sense of what younger people’s interests are, especially if they live far away.

So this year, we gave the gift of experience. Theater tickets to the Lion King to the youngsters who live in New york suburbs, but never go into “the City.” Museum or zoo memberships for the whole family for those with young children. And for the older family members, i went through my photo collection and wrapped the best family pix i could find at different ages and stages.

merry christmas.

By: sunny

sunny — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 00:09:35 +0000

Wow, Trent, this made me tear up. Well done.

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

By: Your Friendly Neighborhood Computer Guy

Your Friendly Neighborhood Computer Guy — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 22:04:25 +0000

Well said Trent! I feel like you just crawled inside my mind to tell my own story in this post! =-)

Merry Christmas!

By: Deborah Markus

Deborah Markus — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 21:38:01 +0000

Great post! I too like to look for gifts all through the year — I read a lot of book reviews and clip titles I know friends will enjoy, then keep those in a folder, take a look at them when the holiday season arrives, and place one big online book order. I save on postage and stress.

But although I love to give and receive thoughtful gifts, I’m looking forward to playing games with my family as much as I am to anything else.

Btw: I’m sure I’m not the only one who likes it when you “personalize” your postings by making them anecdotal, rather than just “straight” money-saving tips. Those are good, too! — but I do enjoy your stories.

By: Joseph

Joseph — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 20:57:08 +0000

Beautifully written.
Your family togetherness almost makes me cry.
Sounds like a great Christmas :)

By: Trevor - 14 Year Old Money Blogger

Trevor - 14 Year Old Money Blogger — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 20:11:58 +0000

Its true that often the best presents are the emotional ones.

I know I enjoy the moments of happiness a lot too.