I have actually done the donation in name gift before for the whole family many years ago. I'm embarrassed to say that a couple of them were openly rude about how I should have just given them the money. I was shocked more at their lack of grace than at their selfishness, I guess. Oh, the holidays!
On the plus side, I have finally made a decision about traveling back or not: we're staying home and we're going to have a nice dinner with a small personal gift exchange. I'm going to make some holiday sweet treats and maybe roast a small local chicken. I'm excited just thinking about it, and it feels really nice to be looking forward to Christmas again.
