When I was a kid, I never got a ton of Christmas gifts. It really didn’t bother me because it was something I was accustomed to. As I mentioned in my previous post, Jamaicans celebrate the holidays a little differently.
We’re a bit more laid back when it comes to gifts and the commercialization of the holiday. Besides, my family wasn’t exactly rollin’ in dough – so to speak.
I knew there was a chance that I’d marry an American who was raised differently. And as luck would have it, I did. That said, I knew that raising our kids would involve compromise.
But when it comes to the holidays, there is no compromise as far as gifts are concerned. My hubby said he was going to pick up a few Christmas gifts for the kids and he came back with a truck load of stuff. Did I mentioned that I had already purchased a bunch of things the month before?
“You think we over did it?” I asked.
“No. I want them to open up a lot of presents,” he said.
“Duh,” I thought to myself.
“I just don’t want them to expect this type of thing every year,” I responded.
Let’s face it; the older kids get, the more expensive the gifts get too. I can imagine ten years from now getting each child a couple of items and they look at us like, that’s it? Where’s the rest?
My goal was to scale back on material gifts this year and focus more on quality time. But, clearly I was the only parent in on that plan.
My hubby was down for the holiday light show, which I thought would be a great family gift.
I also suggested taking the kids to see Disney on Ice, and he was down for that too. But, he caved on our gift giving agreement. Okay, maybe it wasn’t an actual agreement – more like a suggestion. Either way, all I know it that it took a couple days for the kids to open up their toys and gift hampers, not counting ones received from family and friends.
At first, I did wondered if we were sending the wrong message to our children by buying so many gifts. Then I think to myself, we are great parents. We teach our kids values, and we certainly don’t spoil them. They’ll grow up knowing that when you work hard, you get rewarded.
We may have gone a little nuts, but it’s okay. They deserve it! Seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter of our kids makes it all worth it. I love that my hubby wants the kids to open up a ton of presents. But seriously, next year we’re gonna have to scale things back a bit.
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Did you go overboard for the holidays? Is it possible to give kids too many Christmas gifts?
It is definitely possible!!! Your nephew only got 4 presents this year but they were all over $100 each. He was a little upset because he “only got 4 gifts” while his sister got a lot more (her gifts were like $10 each). Up to a certain age I think they see the number of presents rather then the value of the gifts.
You see!!!! I knew it! Thanks, now I know what I’m in for.
i have always wanted to chill with gifts. but we probably go a little over-board too…
however, i also don’t buy them ANYTHING for a couple months before – clothes and shoes even… and save it up for the big day. that makes me feel better at least…!
My mom always went overboard, and still does with the grandkids. I never grew up to be materialistic. I think you can go overboard but it depends on the gifts. I agree that it’s more important not to spoil them on a regular basis.
Thanks Melissa! That’s a good point. it depends on the gifts.
It’s so hard to go crazy with gifts. I think in my subconscious mind, I’m making up for not having many as a kid.