Probably the best Christmas gift ever.

It doesn’t even cost a thing.

We’re heading to my mom and sister’s in a few weeks. We’re busy finishing up the last weeks of school, I have a new book coming out, and we don’t have much time to go to shops–not to mention I’d rather not buy More Stuff.

Here’s my plan. 

DISCLAIMER: (1) First the kids aren’t going to like it. They might think it’s the dumbest idea in the history of Christmas presents. (2) They might later thank you profusely. (Might). I’m willing to take the risk. 

It doesn’t have to cost anything, but here’s a minimal cost that might be worth it as it *might* look better. Pieces of paper work fine, too. 

Here goes: probably the best gift idea ever

You’re going to have to do a little bit of math. I’m going to show my numbers and you can adjust accordingly. 

1. I have 2 sons.
2. I have 5 family members (whom we’re going to spend Christmas with).
3. 10 cards per son multiplied by the number of family members. 
4. That’s 10 x 5 = 50 cards per son multiplied by 2 sons = 100 cards total.

Still with me? 10 cards for your child multiplied by the number of family. 

I’m going to have my boys write down 1 question per card specifically for a family member. Back to my math. I could really use a spreadsheet…

For example, 10 cards for 1 cousin with 1 question per card = 10 cards with 10 questions for 1 specific family member. Maybe we wrap them up nicely or at least tie a ribbon around them.

The gift recipient can’t look at the cards yet. Here’s the deal. 

Over the next 10 days, the recipient hands 1 card back to the gift giver. He then asks her that question and he/she answers it. 

I’m not going to get into a whole bunch of rules about what the questions should be or should not be. No time limits or answer limits. 

Sure, I could see my son asking his cousin: “What’s your favorite color?” To which she replies, “Red.” 

“Dad, I’m done!” 

Sure, that’s OK. 

Here goes a quick, Sunday-morning flurry of questions that might be fun to ask: 

1. Have you chosen a university to go to yet?
2. Are you still sad that grandpa died? 
3. What’s your favorite color, why, and how can you prove it? 
4. Where did you meet your husband?
5. Are you going to leave this state to go school?
6. Were you alive in World War 2?
7. How did you meet Grandpa?
8. What’s your favorite food?
9. Why do you always twirl your hair?
10. What’s your favorite animal?

See how easy that is? 

I just want the kids to talk. To get to know each other better. Maybe the answers are one word. Fine. That’s one more word than zero.

What do you think? Possibly the best gift ever? It’s December 9, 2018, I’ll keep you posted in the new year.

Until then, what’s your best gift you’ve ever given or received?