When we grew up, the term ‘Great Uncle’ referred to our parents’ Uncles. They weren’t our Uncles specifically, but were still in that role. We called them "Gruncles."

Well, today, with the holidays just passed and the New Year upon us, I want to provide you with a strategy that will make you a GREAT Uncle, not a "Gruncle."

I’m going to present this strategy as if you were in my shoes during Channukah and Christmas. Your mileage may vary, but if you do what I did, you’ll spend 2011 being the Uncle remembered for being great.

Thinking back a week or so ago, I watched my nephews and nieces opening gifts from their other Uncles and Aunts. The kids were thrilled.

Giggles of joy and perma-grin decorated their little faces. And what did I do?

I reveled in their happiness, asked them questions about their favorite toys and took a bunch of photos of the moment.

Then, after the chaos had slowed and the wrapping was tossed away, I said goodbye to my nephews and nieces and set my plan in motion. I knew they’d be enamored of their presents for a short while and no single present would really stand out because they had all arrived at once.

Whether the gifts arrived with eyes closed and hands extended when the candles were lit, or as one of a mass of wrapped boxes under a fir tree, it didn’t matter. A good Uncle knows that most-recent is most revered.

So, on December 26, I took the mailing addresses of my nieces and nephews, jumped on the computer and started buying gifts. I thought about what the children had received and what gifts they liked most and modeled my purchases appropriately.

In about 10 days, packages will start arriving and “Uncle Jeff” will be “the Great Uncle Jeff” for three reasons: First, kids love mail. Second, kids love gifts/presents. Third, Great Uncle Jeff will be the Uncle who gave them a great gift most recently.

And unless there are birthdays on the near horizon, I’ll remain GREAT for the first quarter of 2011. That’s the plan for being the greatest Uncle.

I hope my advice has helped you take the lead as best Uncle in your family...it’s looking good for me for a long time to come.

Published: December 29, 2010