Why not take them shopping for gifts for people in need, that there is a great lesson in gift giving

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  • • Ellen replied
    • 18 Dec 2020 , 9:10 am

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  Yes I totally agree with you.

I get where she’s coming from but one day those kids are going to ask why are you so stingy to never get me anything? I think it’s mean. I sometimes buy experiences as they end up with too many toys but they always get something.

Each to her own, but I do think it’s a bit sad. I love to buy gifts more than receive them, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want any. I think you can teach your child how to be kind and generous, but still receive gifts.

While I agree there is to much focus on presentsX is she at least doing a present from Santa? Coz the belief of Santa is gonna quickly disappear if there is no present or he’s gonna think he’s always on the naughty list!

Slightly grinchy, but each to their own

I agree that there is far too much focus on gifts decorations and food !

Each for their own but my questions does Santa give her kids present I never buy my kids presents during the year and they only get Santa presents nothing from us they do get a birthday presents but my kids aren’t spoilt and they appreciate everything they get my 10year is far from selfish and appreciates everything she gets even if she doesn’t like it
Yes it not about presents but is the way you treat and teach your children

Christmas is not about gifts but family and religion…

I think it’s nice they focus on experiences and creating memories, people have different ways of doing things and each to their own.

Each to their own 🙂

I admire her family for their choice and agree that when they just receive lots they don’t appreciate them or look after them. it is interesting as they grow up and talk to their friends

We never received Christmas presents from our parents growing up. We got some from our grandparents which was special enough, plus my parents saved all their money so we could go on holidays together. We didn’t mind and we felt loved and cared for

I grew up in the Netherlands and never received Xmas gifts from my parents, but also not from relatives. However we did celebrate Sinterklaas at the 5th of December, with lots of homemade gifts and surprises and some simple presents

It’s her choice, her relatives still give them gifts so they don’t miss out

The meaning of Christmas is very important and it does get forgotten along the way with all the excitement so it’s definitely something to think over

I guess everybody is different on how they wish to bring up their children, I just feel sorry for the kids when they are older and realise that their friends get presents from their parents and they don’t. This will be a hurdle they’ll have to cross later in life.

I try not to buy mine too many gifts they get plenty of things
And I think it starts a lot of wants this is special time with family rather than gifts

It’s one thing to not have an abundance of gifts, I get that. But what when the kids are old enough to understand that their parents never bought them a Christmas present.

We do the same! And the kids don’t mind at all… because they are never lacking.
They always have big celebrations on their birthday where we invite all their friends. By the time they have unwrapped all their presents from friends its pretty much like a big sugar rush – they crash and forget about the toys. So i put them away and let them choose a couple of presents to play with first and then one every few weeks. They are always surprised again when choosing coz they have forgotten what they had in the first place.
Intead foa present on their birthday, I give them breakfast in bed, the lounge room filled with balloons and cupcakes to start the day. I give them a beautiful day on their birthday.
So then does it matter if i don’t give them a present on their birthday? Dont think so.

As parents it gives us joy to give our kids things – but it doesn’t have to be on their birthday. I give my kids what they desire and dont have on other days when they have been deserving instead.

J think this is a bit sad too. I wonder if the child will resent them when they are older. Why couldn’t they just buy them something they need. One medium sized present with meaning to it.