Every holiday season, I notice those familiar posts popping up, usually from the self-proclaimed Christmas purists. You know the type — they’ve likely spent countless hours pondering “the true meaning of the season” while blasting the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s rendition of “Carol of the Bells.” They’re quick to criticize materialism, overindulgence, and the chaotic flurry of December spending that often leads to credit card debt, all in the name of that jolly old elf. Their children will receive precisely four gifts, neatly categorized into a preschool rhyme: something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read.
To that, I say a resounding “no thanks!”
From the very first wise man who dropped gold at the cradle of the Christ Child, Christmas has always been about the goodies. Jesus himself was gifted gold, frankincense, and myrrh — all extravagant presents that were far beyond what his parents could afford. Joseph would probably need to go into serious debt just to cover that. The tradition of generous giving during Christmas is as old as the holiday itself. Even the little drummer boy contributed what he could, rather than claiming he couldn’t afford to celebrate.
So, in the spirit of that age-old tradition, my kids are going to receive plenty this year — and I mean plenty! They’ll be surrounded by gifts that mostly reflect their desires, with just a couple of necessities thrown in for good measure. My middle child will be inundated with Spinosauruses, my youngest will dive into a sea of Play-Doh, and my eldest might score a few vintage Nintendo games. And that’s not even counting the presents from their grandparents and godparents, creating a veritable ocean of gifts. Forget Santa; all the goodies are from us!
I refuse to waste Christmas on gifts that my kids need. I handle that every single day, and let’s be real — nobody wants to gift a graphing calculator and say, “Merry Christmas!” Likewise, I’m not about to wrap up socks and underwear for the holidays. That just feels mean.
For kids, the essence of Christmas is the presents. Sure, we try to convey the religious significance, but let’s face it: they’re more enchanted by the thought of gifts than by the nativity story. They adore the tree because of the presents it holds, and they get excited about Santa — even if my kids will be grateful to us instead of a mythical figure.
We can preach about being kind to others, but let’s be honest: what captures a child’s attention? The loot! They love the anticipation of unwrapping gifts, and it’s the joy of that moment that truly embodies Christmas.
So, while we’ll be cozying up under the mistletoe and surrounded by a flurry of gift-opening madness, I embrace the joy of giving — and receiving. It’s fun, it’s magical, and it’s what makes Christmas a cherished holiday.
And if you want to explore more about family planning and home insemination options, check out this informative post on our blog. For those considering starting a family, Make a Mom offers great resources on insemination kits. Additionally, ACOG has excellent information on treating infertility, which can be a valuable read for many.
In summary, Christmas is about more than just giving; it’s about the joy of receiving as well. Embracing both aspects can create a fuller, richer holiday experience.