In my family, Christmas celebrations are quite extravagant, and I have no regrets about it. Last year, my brother-in-law shared a photo on social media of the mountain of presents under their tree, and it garnered reactions like “wow” and “holy cow.” I understood why people were taken aback—it was indeed a significant display. However, I felt a wave of judgment wash over me, wanting to justify our choices. The gifts were for a total of eight family members, including several hand-me-down toys from my sister’s older kids that she had wrapped for added fun. Yet, my explanations felt inadequate, and I was left feeling embarrassed by our holiday splurge.
Reassessing Our Holiday Approach
As the holiday season approached this year, I promised myself to tone it down. However, here I am in mid-December, and my closet resembles an obstacle course from an action movie—minus the glamorous attire. I’ve reviewed my kids’ wish lists multiple times, trying to identify items to return. I even created an Excel spreadsheet to track everything, which surely adds to the disdain from those who might judge me. But I can’t seem to part with anything; I know my children will cherish each toy, play with every doll, and engage with every science kit. They are genuinely appreciative kids.
Finding Balance
Recently, I confided in my partner about my feeling of guilt over our materialism. He reminded me that our family’s approach is not inherently materialistic; we reserve our spoiling for Christmas and refrain from impulsive toy purchases throughout the year. Birthdays are often celebrated with limited gifts or experiences instead. We consistently emphasize the true essence of Christmas—love, gratitude, charity, and family. We discuss the disparities in living conditions worldwide, instilling a sense of responsibility in our kids to appreciate their privileges and give back. Our family donates both money and items to charity and prioritizes quality time with loved ones throughout the year.
My partner expressed his fondness for the idea that our children will have fond memories of the chaotic joy of Christmas mornings alongside those deeper values. I, too, treasure my own childhood memories of unwrapping gifts, the excitement of believing in Santa Claus, and the joy that filled our home. These recollections are invaluable to me.
Confronting Guilt and Judgment
So why do I still feel guilty about the stack of gifts I’ve amassed? If I were certain that no one would judge me, that pile wouldn’t bother me at all. My guilt stems more from the perceived judgment of others than from my own beliefs about materialism or Christmas. Social media is rife with posts where parents announce their own minimalistic approaches, claiming that those who give their children numerous gifts are promoting materialism and poor parenting.
However, how families choose to celebrate the holidays should be their personal choice, free from external judgment. Just because my family enjoys a grand Christmas doesn’t mean we are celebrating incorrectly. We simply have a tradition that embraces the joy of the season.
Wrapping Up
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have presents to wrap! For more on home insemination and related topics, you can check out this informative post.
In summary, while I grapple with societal expectations regarding holiday gift-giving, I recognize that my family’s approach to Christmas is rooted in love, gratitude, and cherished memories. It’s essential to focus on what truly matters during the holidays, rather than succumbing to external pressures.