Embracing the Joy of an Extravagant Christmas

In my family, Christmas is a grand affair, and I make no apologies for it. Last year, my brother-in-law shared a photo on social media of our collective gifts piled high beneath the tree, and the reactions were immediate. Comments flooded in, filled with astonishment: “Wow!” “Holy cow!” and even “What’s going on here?” I could sense the judgment looming, and I felt the urge to justify our holiday tradition. Sure, those gifts were for nine family members, and many were hand-me-downs from my niece to my daughter—wrapped up for the sake of festivity—but the explanations felt inadequate, leaving me with a sense of embarrassment over our Christmas extravaganza.

Keeping Things Under Control

This October, I vowed to keep things under control. But now, as December rolls in, my closet resembles a scene from a heist movie, dodging lasers—albeit not in a glamorous way. I’ve revisited the kids’ wish lists, desperately searching for something to return. (Yes, I’ve even created an Excel spreadsheet; feel free to roll your eyes.) Yet, I can’t seem to part with any of it. I know my children will cherish each gift, from dolls to Lego sets, and their gratitude is genuine.

Finding Balance

Recently, I confided in my partner about feeling materialistic. He reminded me that our indulgence during Christmas is a once-a-year event. We don’t randomly buy toys throughout the year, and birthday celebrations often involve experiences rather than material gifts. More importantly, we are instilling values of love, gratitude, and charity in our kids. We emphasize the disparities in the world and our responsibility to give back. We contribute to charities and prioritize family time—not just during the holidays.

My husband appreciates that our kids will create lasting memories of the joy and excitement that come with our Christmas traditions, and I wholeheartedly agree. I fondly recall my own childhood Christmases, filled with laughter, wrapping paper flying, and the thrill of believing in the magic of Santa. Those memories are precious, and they shape the way we celebrate today.

Overcoming Guilt

So why do I still grapple with guilt over the abundance of gifts? If I’m honest, it’s not about my own views on materialism but rather the fear of others’ judgment. Social media is rife with people touting minimalist approaches, insisting that parents who spoil their kids should feel ashamed. But the truth is, it’s nobody’s place to judge how families choose to celebrate the holidays. We embrace our tradition of big Christmases wholeheartedly, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a mountain of presents to wrap!

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Conclusion

In summary, my family embraces the joy of an extravagant Christmas without shame. We prioritize gratitude, love, and giving back, creating cherished memories for our kids. The judgment from others won’t change our traditions, and we’ll continue to celebrate in our own special way.