Every holiday season, I encounter a familiar sentiment online. It often comes from those who take a purist stance on Christmas—those who have pondered deeply about “the essence of the holiday,” perhaps while listening to cheerful tunes on repeat. They criticize materialism, the frenzy of December, and the financial burdens that accompany the festive season. Their kids, they insist, will only receive four carefully curated gifts: something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.
To that, I say, “No thanks!”
Since the very first wise man presented gifts to the Christ Child, Christmas has been about the treasures we give and receive. Jesus was bestowed with gold, frankincense, and myrrh—luxurious gifts far beyond what his family could afford. The tradition of giving generously has been woven into the fabric of Christmas since its inception. Even the little drummer boy participated, offering what little he had rather than claiming he couldn’t afford to celebrate.
In the spirit of that tradition, my children can expect a bounty of gifts this year—not just a few, but a delightful array of what they truly desire. My middle child will be thrilled with a collection of dinosaur toys, while my youngest will be in a colorful world of Play-Doh. My oldest might find some classic Nintendo games under the tree. And let’s not forget the Matchbox cars, Legos, and Minifigs that will be scattered among the gifts.
This doesn’t even take into account what their grandparents and godparents will contribute. Our living room will overflow with presents, and there’s no Santa myth here—these gifts come straight from us. I won’t be passing off my joy to some fictional character.
I refuse to diminish the holiday by wrapping up necessities. I buy my kids what they need every day, and I see no joy in disguising those purchases as gifts. Who wants to gift a graphing calculator with a cheery “Merry Christmas”? The same goes for clothing; I’m not about to wrap up socks and underwear. That feels unkind.
For children, Christmas is fundamentally about presents. While we do our best to instill the holiday’s deeper meaning—peace and goodwill—it’s tough for them to grasp that concept fully. We talk about being kind to others, but let’s be real: kids are primarily excited about the gifts. The Christmas tree is a beacon because that’s where all the presents go. The stories of Santa are enchanting because he’s the one who brings the joy (at least in our house, where we focus on thanking Mom and Dad instead of a jolly old elf).
So we embrace this aspect of the holiday without shame. It doesn’t mean we overlook the struggles of families facing hard times or criticize those who prefer a more minimalist celebration. Getting gifts is a vital part of Christmas. So are family meals filled with my mom’s famous nut roll, my husband’s savory oyster casserole, and countless viewings of classic holiday films. We cherish worship and giving back, but let’s not dismiss the joy of simply receiving gifts.
Christmas is about kids in matching pajamas dashing into the living room, exclaiming, “Wow! Thanks, Mom! Thanks, Dad!” as they tear through their presents.
So, this year, we’ll revel in the joy of giving and receiving, creating a festive atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the holiday—far beyond just “something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read.” It’s magical and fun, and that’s what Christmas is all about!
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Summary
Christmas is not just a time for giving; it’s equally about receiving joyfully. While the holiday is often framed around the spirit of generosity, the excitement of presents remains a central theme for children. The magic of Christmas lies in the abundance of gifts, family traditions, and heartfelt moments that create lasting memories.