I tend to agree with Mike that Christmas has become far far to commercialised and hope that we can keep that from being a dominant factor with our son. One of the things that I'd like to add to the conversation, however, is that I consider handmade gifts to be a different thing entirely. Unfortunately, much of the world doesn't seem to understand this idea, but when I give or receive something handmade, especially something handmade for the person it's given to, there's a special feeling of really giving of oneself or having the blessing of being the recipient of such. Whether it be something quilted or knitted (as was the case with me for a few people this winter), worked from clay, wood, words, music, or food, these gifts help to build and reinforce special bonds that we should be hesitant to allow the commercial hierarchy to take away.