Lists

Every year about this time, I start letting my brain wonder around gift ideas I have for my upcoming shopping duties for Christmas.
For a couple of years, I sent out a huge survey about favorites, likes, and wants, to all me family. I only received one or two back. But, isn't it rather forward to send put a list of your own gift wants?
How do you handle gift giving in your family? Again, I haven't figured out which is more important giving to give, or giving someone something they want.
These are the things I continue to ponder.