My daughter-in-law started this handmade gift exchange a few years back and it's always fun for me, but a fair portion of the rest of the family goes through trials of the damned trying to get something done. I think it's been four years now. The rules are that you must draw a name from the hat and do something personal for that individual. It can be anything at all as long as it's handmade in some way or your own creation. I've done photos of various kinds most every year, in fact, I think EVERY year, but each does his thing. Songs have been sung, lyrics written, special written articles, songs composed and played, clay pots done at Color Me Mine, cookies baked, clothing sewn, etc. As I said, I really enjoy it and am stretching just a bit this year outside the realm of photography. It's my favorite gift to receive and my favorite one to give. These gifts get opened on Christmas Eve but the rest of Christmas is on the 25th. This year we will be at Lauren's in Los Gatos. Evan will be bringing his new girlfriend, Clara, who is also participating in the handmade gift exchange. She is a brave soul! I love the actual Christmas eve, and day because we are all together and nobody leaves to go anyplace. It is a wonderful family time and that is my favorite kind of time.