SPUG: Give from the heart -- or don't give at all

This year, my family has decided to forgo a hefty segment of our traditional gift-giving rituals. The decision is mainly for budgetary reasons, but also due to holiday stress.

Sometimes, traditions become worn-out. It never hurts to examine a ritual and ask why it started, why it continues -- and whether everyone agrees that it is still a positive event or practice.

My family is axing our name drawing, since my siblings and I have grown apart geographically. The ritual has turned into a boring exchange of mailed gift certificates.

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