Three years ago, I suggested that our family draw names for Christmas presents since there aren't any kids and some of the members really couldn't afford to buy everyone presents.

Everyone thought it was a great idea; well, except for my mother. She complained about it and said that it took all the fun out of Christmas. Christmas morning after everyone opened their present, she said that she never wanted to do that again.

She was vetoed and we did it again last year. The people who didn't have a lot of money to spend really enjoyed the financial relief from not having to buy presents for the entire family. I enjoyed the gift of time that it gave me, as well as relief from shopping. I hate shopping, especially during the holidays.

This year hubby drew Mom's name. One of the things we've learned over the years is that when Mom gives you a Christmas or birthday list, you'd best not stray from it. If you do, you're going to hear mutterings and clucking. So, I asked Mom for her wish list. I got her reply this morning, saying that she found something she really likes in a little shop downtown and she'd like to buy it and then be reimbursed for it. Of course, she'll have it wrapped, she added.

Of course she will. I mean, isn't that what Christmas is all about? Making sure that the present you bought for yourself is wrapped? That, and surprises as in making sure that person giving the gift is completely surprised at what they've given.

I guess this means that Mom gets what she wants for Christmas. And that, my friends, will make everyone's Christmas a little bit more jolly.