[2manyks]

how does everyone go about buying, wraping, storing the new Christmas presents? we have 11 3/4 kids. each child gives a present to eachother, grandparents on one side give a gift, we exchange names with the cousins - theres another gift. then theres santa. so not counting our gifts to the kids they already are getting 13 gifts! where to put it all. before you suggest exchanging names, ive already tried that one, and absolutely not. the kids really enjoy shopping or making gifts for eachother. so, without counting what i buy them, i have to find a place to store 130+ gifts.

anyone else faced with this problem?

[DianeScraps]

wow! Maybe some of the bigger kids could make theirs a game, like have them in a different room that the others have to go find and bring out?

[blessedmomee]

That's alot of gifts, wrapping and time! We have always stuck to three gifts for each child(like Jesus received), and stocking stuffers. On Christmas morn, we talk about the importance of everlasting gifts like family, and a relationship with God. Each of us takes a turn talking about the gifts that have been important to us throughout the year. Then we open one gift at a time on Christmas more, and really take our time. We usually aren't done until afternoon. It is very nice, and relaxing!

Anyway, back to your question! We buy for neices, nephews, grandparents, etc...as well, as our kids. Dh and I pick one night to wrap, and usually make it our own little late night party, with food, music, fireplace, etc. We then stack everything in our walk-in closet. We have an attic door in the closet, that only we can get into. We put our two teens' gifts up there, so there is no peeking.

Another thing we do to minimize so much STUFF...when asked for suggestions, we tell relatives to give memberships, instead of presents. We receive family memberships to the zoo every year, along with the science center, and gift cards to restaurants and movies. We all love these gifts! It decreases having a mountain of toys, that even with eight kids aren't all going to get played with!
Hope your Christmas was blessed!