We can deny it all we want, but Christmas is coming, and if we’re going by weather, it’s already here in Wisconsin! Just about every morning the kids ask if it’s Christmas! We received toy catalogues weeks ago and they already circled EVERYTHING (well, it certainly feels that way) in the catalogue.
They know they won’t get everything and I always ask them what is the one thing they want the most. Keep in mind, we don’t have cable, and we stay out of the stores, if we can help it, during the holiday season so my kids then aren’t bombarded by all the toys they see in the stores.
Lately, I’ve seen so many people posting and talking about asking family members to get experiences for their children instead of toys. Don’t get me wrong, I think those are great, and I certainly wouldn’t turn it down. But, I’m also not one to ask this because I know how much joy grandparents get from giving a wrapped gift and seeing their grandchildren’s eyes light up with excitement. There were numerous times I contemplated asking for just experiences, but I’m then reminded of all the toys I had to play with as a child. Granted that was in the 80’s and consumerism has skyrocketed. But, it doesn’t change the feeling I had when I got my rainbow brite or strawberry shortcake dolls, and cabbage patch, I even had a Teddy Ruxpin (the original). I LOVED my toys and playing with them and my kids love playing with their toys too.
At the same time, I don’t want to encourage going into debt or going overboard with Christmas. I used to do that, and then I would stumped with what to give them for their birthdays, and I do think they can have too much and then don’t appreciate what they do have. It’s a fine line and you just have to figure out what works for your family.
Some ideas: This year I’ve set a money limit per child and only 5 gifts each (truth be told I learned this from another mom.). If you’re still stumped after reading this ask another mom what she does and keep asking until you figure out what works for you. This year isn’t so bad because my older two want the same big gift and then I can just fill their stocking with lots of other things. I also did ALL my shopping online, yes, it does take away from stores, but I honestly don’t have the discipline to go into a store during Christmas and not add an additional $50-$100 to my budget. And it adds up! Finding used toys from a facebook marketplace is another great option, especially if it’s a toy you know they won’t play with that long! And that’s the real problem isn’t it? They play with a toy once at Christmas and then collects dust the rest of the year. If your kids have any of those toys, sell them and use that money for new gifts. Although I’m not one to really talk about this topic because it’s hard for me to sell stuff.
This Christmas season, try not to stress, set a budget and stick to it.
They know they won’t get everything and I always ask them what is the one thing they want the most. Keep in mind, we don’t have cable, and we stay out of the stores, if we can help it, during the holiday season so my kids then aren’t bombarded by all the toys they see in the stores.
Lately, I’ve seen so many people posting and talking about asking family members to get experiences for their children instead of toys. Don’t get me wrong, I think those are great, and I certainly wouldn’t turn it down. But, I’m also not one to ask this because I know how much joy grandparents get from giving a wrapped gift and seeing their grandchildren’s eyes light up with excitement. There were numerous times I contemplated asking for just experiences, but I’m then reminded of all the toys I had to play with as a child. Granted that was in the 80’s and consumerism has skyrocketed. But, it doesn’t change the feeling I had when I got my rainbow brite or strawberry shortcake dolls, and cabbage patch, I even had a Teddy Ruxpin (the original). I LOVED my toys and playing with them and my kids love playing with their toys too.
At the same time, I don’t want to encourage going into debt or going overboard with Christmas. I used to do that, and then I would stumped with what to give them for their birthdays, and I do think they can have too much and then don’t appreciate what they do have. It’s a fine line and you just have to figure out what works for your family.
Some ideas: This year I’ve set a money limit per child and only 5 gifts each (truth be told I learned this from another mom.). If you’re still stumped after reading this ask another mom what she does and keep asking until you figure out what works for you. This year isn’t so bad because my older two want the same big gift and then I can just fill their stocking with lots of other things. I also did ALL my shopping online, yes, it does take away from stores, but I honestly don’t have the discipline to go into a store during Christmas and not add an additional $50-$100 to my budget. And it adds up! Finding used toys from a facebook marketplace is another great option, especially if it’s a toy you know they won’t play with that long! And that’s the real problem isn’t it? They play with a toy once at Christmas and then collects dust the rest of the year. If your kids have any of those toys, sell them and use that money for new gifts. Although I’m not one to really talk about this topic because it’s hard for me to sell stuff.
This Christmas season, try not to stress, set a budget and stick to it.
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