As we approach another Christmas season and our first one with Little Man where he will be somewhat aware of what is going on, my husband and I have been having discussions as to how we want to handle Christmas with our son. We have very different opinions.
We had extremely different experiences when it came to Christmas when we were growing up. His family was very much into "things" and still are. In fact, their Christmas consists of INSANE amounts of money spent on "stuff" that they are required to open one at a time with each person taking a turn until all the presents are opened. The entire ordeal takes at least 2 hours, sometimes longer depending upon the number of presents. It makes me crazy how "worldly" it all is and I usually provide not the nicest "wish lists" when we are asked. (i.e. I say things like, "I would like everyone to be nice to one another", or I will only list one thing. This drives my mother-in-law nuts and usually ends in an argument or the "silent treatment".) Why? It's a loooong story. Short version: A bunch of money spent doesn't make up for a year of not being nice.
For me, I would rather have Christmas be more about the "spirit" of Christmas and not "stuff". Don't get me wrong. I am not a complete Scrooge. I want Little Man to have some presents, but I do not want it to be an "insane" amount and I don't want him to think that Christmas is all about "what can I get" which is what we experience with my step-daughter each year. (Consequently, it usually ends up with tears, fighting, or arguing because not enough money is ever spent on her in her opinion.)
So while we try to come up with a happy compromise that is best for our family, what does your family do for Christmas? How do you keep it in balance with gifts and the "spirit" of Christmas?
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2 comments:
We've been working on that for years. I'm going to try really hard this year and spend very little on presents, I think spending the money on doing something together as a family will start to be our thing. Creating memories is always better than "stuff".
I've done several different things to combat this. One year we only gave three presents each. "Remember the gifts, only three, enough for Jesus, enough for me." Last year it was: Something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read. But, even that didn't feel right. This year I am giving each child one small inexpensive gift and instead of presents we are going to go on a cruise. Better memories (since toys get boring, broken and forgotten, AND you have to store them and clean them up)and it will be WAY more fun!
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