My kids often get overwhelmed at Christmas with all the gifts. After a day of opening presents showered upon them by loving family members, and they tend to get mighty cranky. Then the novelty addiction kicks in, and suddenly everything they have must be new new new or it’s no fun at all. A day or so later, and even the presents that were just new are boring, and they’re frequently heard asking for something else new.
Now, I’m a somewhat serious shopper, and it’s hard to pass up some of the deals available this time of year. At the same time, I don’t want to encourage any whining and ungratefulness that seem to abound around New Year’s.
I started a couple of years ago with this, and it’s worked pretty well. I don’t give them all the presents I buy right on Christmas. At least not in the middle of the big holiday frenzy. Sometimes I give them things early. LOL. In fact most of what I got on Black Friday has already been distributed. For Christmas Hubby and I give each boy a few gifts, maybe 3 or 4. Then we try to get some family games and things we can do together. Add in the toys and clothes they get from extended family and they’re more than well treated.
Then, when we get into the depths of winter and all the blahs and boredom of late January and early February I have a few items ready to cheer us all up. Bonus for me is that I bought them on sale. 
So, what do you do to keep things sane during the gift-opening craziness? Any fun traditions to share with the group? Leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!
by AmyL
[tags]kids, children, parents, holidays, gift giving, spacing gifts, tradition, Christmas, Hannukahhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/cobalt/1669227513/[/tags]
Photo graciously provided by cobalt123, through a Creative Commons license, some rights reserved
2 responses so far ↓
Michelle (beartwinsmom) // Dec 8, 2007 at 10:55 pm
Well, considering the fact that my twins’ birthdays are two weeks after Christmas, the gifting timing is very rough. I do try to buy things on sale, but we end up doing things last minute due to money. (sigh).
I’d love to hear what others have to say about this. I am tired of having the holidays revolve around presents, though, honestly.
~Michelle
Sarah // Dec 10, 2007 at 11:31 am
Our kids get most of things they want all year round so Christmas is about giving rather than receiving. We focus on serving the community, making gifts for needies, friends, and families. Our 6yo ds learnt to stitch at Campfire last week and is making handmade felted angels as gifts. We do celebrate the tradition at home. We buy something special (usually something they really want on their lists) and I knit/sew handmade stuff, fitting for winter cold goodies. for each and every one of our kids. We live frugally and the kids are on the program year long. If it isn’t on sale, we are not getting it. Big ticket items usually are put on wishlists to grandparents.
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