An Honored Christmas Tradition since 1970
From the family of Donald Aiken Yaun
Aqua Velva – the smart set after shave collection
In 1970, my brother Robert and I purchased from a local drug store (Robert’s Pharmacy) gift sets of Aqua Velva and gave them to Dad (Don), Davis, Ted and Phil McDade (our brother-in-law) as Christmas gifts. Davis kept his for two years and returned the favor by giving his back to me for Christmas 1972. He obviously didn’t appreciate fine quality of this masculine toiletry. That was the beginning of a long family tradition of giving the package to someone else in the family. The package was damaged over the
years and was taped up to keep the bottles from falling out. The contents are still the same that were originally in the bottles when purchased. However some was unfortunately used in the mid 80’s. The giving of this package is always anticipated by all members of the family and has been packaged in many creative ways over the years.
Originally, the package was passed to the male siblings but extended to the sister. As families grew and nieces and nephews grew to the age they could understand the tradition, they were added to the list of receivers. One should consider it an honor to be given this as it is truly a family heirloom. Names are written on the inside of one of the flaps of the box.
It is very important, if you have been given this traditional gift, to make sure you pass it on to another member of the Yaun family. Since the families are getting larger, it takes longer for it to come around again and it is possible now that if you are given it once, you may not see it for a long time. As of 2008 we are in the third generation since it’s original giving.
In 2007, Kevin, my youngest son, decided the package was falling apart and needed a new container. He chose a small treasure chest type box which was perfect for continuing the tradition. The original cardboard container has been disassembled, wrapped in a black cloth and put into the chest. The styrofoam is still used to hold the bottles in place
In 2008, I created this web page so it can be viewed for all to see and to keep a record of those that have been honored and who the present honoree is.
This is an ad from a 1971 newspaper showing the price of the gift set being $1.89. Rite Aid is not where Robert and I purchased it. This is just for reference to show price.
The List:
- 1970 Davis – gift from Robert & Don (Donnie)
- 1971 (skipped)
- 1972 Don (Donnie)
- 1973 Davis
- 1974 Robert
- 1975 Don (Donnie)
- 1976 Ted
- 1977 Robert
- 1978 Davis
- 1979 Robert
- 1980 Jill
- 1981 Don (Dad)
- 1982 Don (Donnie)
- 1983 Robert
- 1984 Ted
- 1985 Robert
- 1986 Davis
- 1987 (skipped)
- 1988 Myrtle (Mom)
- 1989 Don (Donnie)
- 1990 Steve
- 1991 Ted
- 1992 Mack
- 1993 Robert
- 1994 Davis
- 1995 Jill
- 1996 Gina
- 1997 Michelle
- 1998 Angela
- 1999 (skipped)
- 2000 Lisa
- 2001 Robert
- 2002 Royce
- 2003 Matt
- 2004 Debi
- 2005 Jeffrey
- 2006 Kevin
- 2007 Don
- 2008 Ted
- 2009 Christopher
- 2010 Skyler
- 2011 Steve
- 2012 (Skip?)
- 2013 Mack
- 2014 Jill
- 2015 Millie
- 2016 Robert
- 2017 Davis
- 2018 Ted
- 2019 Steve
- 2020 Michelle (50 Year Anniversary)
- 2021 Robert
- 2022 Don
- 2023 Jeffrey
The Rules:
- In order to keep the tradition intact, this gift must be passed to another member of the Yaun family the following Christmas.
- It is very important for the elders to keep up with this gift as it is easy for younger generations to not keep up with it or think it may not be important. If it is given to younger members of the family, it should be securely stored by the elders for a secure transfer the next Christmas.
- It should be passed on to male members of the family only.
- You must protect the “the smart set” against loss or damage.
- The chest is now officially considered part of the package and must remain intact.
- We encourage creativity in the giving to surprise the recipient.
- Please preserve the contents for future generations to enjoy.
- You must not drink the contents of the bottles!
- If you do not pass this tradition on the following Christmas, you will have 1 year of very bad luck… the Yaun Curse!
IMPORTANT:
Contact Don To update the list soon after you get the treasured gift, make changes or add information… you know how to contact me. 😀
2023 – Jeffrey