I think that the idea of Christmas surprises is really great, but the reality can be less so ~ with things that are duplicated; or one is allergic to them; or they don't fit; or are disliked, yet one feels obligated to keep them; or one doesn't feel obligated and just returns things to the shops.
And it's the adults as well as kids, who may not be too grateful for their exciting surprise gifts.
So, getting something that the recipient really wants can be easier ~ and not a waste of money.
It's different when the children are little, of course. Then it's all exciting!
The Christmas dream is often more exciting than the Christmas reality ~ and hoping to hang on to the dream can just cause disappointment, I think.
