Wouldn't be nice if for extended family gatherings, everyone just did a white elephant gift exchange? It would accomplish so much--it would be lots of fun with lots of laughs, everyone would get rid of unwanted stuff, and no one would have to spend money--relieving much time & financial pressure for all.

If you've never done a White Elephant Gift Exchange, it goes like this: Everyone wraps and brings an item from their home which they no longer want--nothing trashy, but perhaps a figurine, a book, a lamp, a gift someone gave you that you don't care for, etc. Once you are all gathered, you take turns choosing a wrapped gift and opening it. The next person may choose to either select a gift to open, or they may take the gift you have. Of course, the most cherished prizes are stolen often. The rule of taking someone else's gift is optional, of course, and everyone may just choose to trade with each other once the game is over. But it's great fun--you never know what you're going to see at one of these gatherings.