My grown kids have asked that we come up with a less expensive Christmas this year. Could we exchange names and thereby cut down on spending? I totally agree. This past year’s events reminded us all that family is more important than anything else. Things can be replaced; time with family can’t. The couples in our extended family will exchange names with each other, and the kids (siblings and cousins) will exchange names. We are to keep it all secret (we’ll see how long that lasts) until we open presents. We are placing a spending cap on the gifts as well. The individual families may give to each other, but everyone has been asked not to give outside their own household. This way others will not feel obligated to reciprocate. I am proud of them because I have always objected to the commercialism and greed that accompanies this season. Christmas is about family and not about trying to outdo each other or going into debt. I like what this teaches the children and grandchi