The Boy on Top
The thank you cards are the real 'grounder', it's a must.
Its funny, wasn't something I did as a kid other than once or twice. Its a big thing in LL's family, and I agree. Its a must. TB
We used to get lots of presents as kids as well. Occasionally when we had two many toys we would pick out some of our older, or seldom used ones that we would be willing to give to charity.
I never minded.
Much.
I've been trying to do the same, but LL is a horder. I think I may win this as every spare cubic inch under the beds and in the cupboards and on top of book shelves is filled with old unused toys. Time for a clear out I say. TB
Yup, have a major clearout before Chistmas. That's a good idea. Also, if your kids are getting to the age of understanding charity (and gift-givers don't mind...), would they be willing to add to their list things like "donation in my name to Heifer International"? That's our kids' favorite charity; it's at www.heifer.org. They use the funds to give livestock animals to needy families, with the understanding that when the first offspring of those animals are born, they need to share with others in their village. You can purchase chicks (provide eggs, droppings for garden, and meat) for US$20, a trio of rabbits for $60, a sheep for $120, and if folks are very generous 
they can pitch in together and get a gift Ark (two of each animal) for a paltry $5,000.
The kids would still get the gifts from Santa, mom & dad, and grandparents, of course!
One of my sisters did something like that with the kids with WWF, where they "adopted" a wild animal. The youngest didn't understand, but the boys liked the idea. I did have to explain though that we couldn't actually go visit the animal they adopted... TB
My 12 year old is a freak of nature. He actually told Grandma and Grandpa not to buy him a couple of things because they were too expensive!! And he always writes Thank Yous...But even with his restraint some family members go overboard.
But that is the sort of kid that adults LIKE to indulge! That's the problem! TB
42 Presents! 3 Kids! Holy cow! I don't like lego that much!
Lego only constituted 12 of the 42 presents. Still, it was a lota lota lego. Thankfully I do enjoy it that much. We had a real lego build fest chez boy! TB
I did have to explain though that we couldn't actually go visit the animal they adopted...
Trixie asked to adopt a polar bear through WWF on her Christmas list, and we got it for her. Of course, now that PBs are set to be on the Endangered Species list, she plans to write to WWF and let them know that "her" polar bear needs to be moved to a zoo so it won't drown due to lack of ice floes!
Phoowee! That's a lot of gifts....lucky kids! Mine got 10 apiece and that's only coz Grandma is here...I thought it overboard.
My limit is 3 each usually.
I actually had to go out and buy another large wicker basket to store all the Christmas pressies in...there just wasn't any more space and everything was on the floor. Blimey it's insane.
But yes - thank you cards are de rigeur.
Not so different, ours had about 13 each plus a few shared. It does get a bit insane doesn't it? TB
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