Last year, my cousin shared a photo on social media of the mountain of Christmas gifts that filled her living room. The reaction was instant, filled with comments like “Wow,” “Geez,” and even “Holy cow!” I get it; the sight was overwhelming. Even we looked at the pile and thought, “Did we really go overboard?” Yet, amidst the laughter and surprise, I felt a twinge of defensiveness. I wanted to explain that all those gifts were for just seven people, and a good number were hand-me-downs from her older children to my youngest, wrapped up just for the fun of it. But no matter how I justified it, I ended up feeling a bit ashamed about our extravagant Christmas celebration.
This year, I vowed to dial it back. That was my plan back in October, but here we are in mid-December, and my closet resembles a scene out of Entrapment — except I’m far less glamorous in my quest to navigate the chaos. Each time I review the kids’ wish lists, I contemplate returning a few things (yes, I have an Excel spreadsheet for this — feel free to roll your eyes). But I can’t bring myself to part with any of the gifts. I know my kids will cherish every single toy, from dolls to science kits, and they are genuinely grateful for what they receive.
Just the other day, I confided in my partner about feeling guilty for being materialistic. He quickly pointed out that we are actually not materialistic at all. The only time we truly indulge our children is during the holidays. We don’t buy toys impulsively throughout the year, and for birthdays, they either receive a couple of gifts or nothing in exchange for a family outing. My partner also emphasized that we are instilling the true essence of Christmas in our children: love, gratitude, and family. We regularly discuss the varying circumstances of people around the world and emphasize our privilege, which comes with the responsibility to give back. We donate both money and goods to charity, and prioritize spending quality time with loved ones — all year long.
He mentioned that he loves the idea that our children will have fond memories of a bustling Christmas morning filled with presents, alongside the more meaningful lessons we teach. And I share that sentiment. I have vivid memories of chaotic Christmas mornings filled with the joy of tearing open gifts and the thrill of believing in the magic of Santa Claus. Those memories are invaluable to me, forever etched in my mind.
So why is it so difficult to shake off this guilt about the number of toys I have stashed away? If I’m being completely honest, my guilt stems not from my own feelings about Christmas or materialism, but from the weight of judgment from others. Social media is rife with parents boasting about limiting their kids to just a few gifts or even forgoing presents altogether. Some go as far as to shame those of us who choose to give more, labeling us as materialistic or poor parents.
But here’s the thing: how families celebrate Christmas — or any holiday — is a personal choice, and it’s not anyone’s place to critique another’s parenting based on a snapshot of a single day. My family, along with others who enjoy grand celebrations, is not doing it “wrong.” We just have a tradition of celebrating Christmas in a big way, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a mountain of presents to wrap. If you want to read more about parenting and celebrations, check out this insightful post on Cervical Insemination. For those considering at-home insemination options, Make a Mom offers reputable kits. Additionally, CCRM IVF provides excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, embracing a big Christmas celebration is a cherished tradition for many families, and it’s important to recognize that each family’s approach is valid in its own right. The joy of giving, gratitude, and maintaining family bonds can coexist with the excitement of holiday gifts.
Leave a Reply