The Gavel, the Gifts, and the Golden Ticket
Over the holidays, my family always finds creative ways to shake up our Christmas Day gift exchange. This year was no exception as we introduced a live auction to the mix, turning our gathering into a spirited, laughter-filled event no one will soon forget.
The idea started a few months ago while my brother, Jeff and I were on a road trip. Closer to the holiday a simple text message was sent outlining the rules, gift budget, and a fun twist: everyone needed to practice their auctioneer skills. The message encouraged the group to hit YouTube for pointers, and while some of us took this challenge seriously (hello, my sister-in-law Pat and me), others decided to wing it.
On Christmas Day, the festivities kicked off with everyone drawing numbers. Each number corresponded to an envelope containing play money, along with a numbered paddle that determined the order of who would act as auctioneer. The dollar amounts in the envelopes were only $12 apart, keeping the competition tight.
One by one, we took turns opening a gift and stepping into the role of auctioneer. Armed with paddles and a gavel my brother Jeff had specially engraved for the occasion, we each sold the “properties” of the unwrapped gift with our best auctioneer flair.
Some of us sounded a little hesitant at first, while others, like my son Andrew, blew us away with natural skill. Andrew hadn’t practiced a single second but sounded like a pro straight out of a farm auction. WHAT?! It was hilarious and so on-brand for him.
The bidding wars brought endless laughter. A few gifts sparked intense competition, with participants scrambling to outbid one another by mere play dollars. For gifts that didn’t receive any bids, we created an LCQ (Last Chance Qualifier) round, where the person with the most money got first pick.
Just when we thought the game was over, the Golden Ticket was revealed! The lucky recipient had the power to take any gift they wanted in exchange for their own. It added a final layer of surprise and strategy that kept everyone on their toes.
The night was filled with laughter, playful competition, and so much joy. Watching everyone take their turn as auctioneer, some with practiced skill and others winging it beautifully was a highlight. The engraved gavel and paddles added a touch of whimsy and made the event feel extra special.
In the end, it wasn’t about the gifts but the time spent together. The auction was just a fun backdrop to what truly matters: being with family, sharing laughter, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
This creative twist on a gift exchange reminded me that the best presents don’t come wrapped in paper and bows. The real gift is the love and connection we share as a family. Spending time together, laughing until our sides hurt, and celebrating each other; those are the moments that matter most.
Looking to shake up your family’s holiday traditions? It may or may not include: the gift, the gavel and the golden ticket, but it will be special if you’re sharing an experience with friends or family. It’s a surefire way to bring laughter, creativity, and a little healthy competition to your next gathering. Paddles Up!
xoxox…..Sheryl
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