Last year, my brother-in-law shared a photo on social media showcasing the mountain of gifts that had accumulated under their tree, and he tagged me in the post. The comments were filled with reactions like “wow,” “goodness,” and even “what on earth!”
I get it — even we were taken aback, wondering if the gifts had somehow multiplied overnight. Yet, amidst the astonishment, I felt a twinge of judgment. I wanted to clarify that those presents were for our entire family of nine and that most of them were hand-me-downs from my sister’s older children to my youngest. But my defenses felt weak, and I ended up feeling embarrassed over our apparent Christmas gift overload.
As the holiday approached again this year, I vowed to hold back. This was my plan in October, but here we are in mid-December, and navigating my closet feels reminiscent of a scene from a heist movie where the protagonist dodges lasers — only this time, it lacks any glamour.
I keep combing through the children’s wish lists, trying to choose something to return. (Yes, I even have a spreadsheet — feel free to judge!) But I can’t bring myself to part with any of the gifts. I know my children will cherish each toy, from the dolls to the science kits, and they will truly appreciate them. They are, after all, grateful kids.
Recently, I confided in my spouse about my concerns of being materialistic. He reminded me that our family isn’t driven by material desires; the only time we indulge our children is during Christmas. We resist impulse buys throughout the year, and birthdays usually involve a few gifts or none at all, with the focus being on family outings. My partner emphasized that we are instilling the real values of Christmas in our kids: love, generosity, gratitude, and family. We discuss global living conditions and the importance of appreciation and giving back. We contribute to charities, both with our time and resources, and prioritize family connections year-round.
He also mentioned how he cherishes the idea that our children will have vivid memories of the joyful chaos of Christmas mornings, alongside the more meaningful lessons we teach. I wholeheartedly agree. My own childhood was filled with delightful Christmas mornings, where the thrill of unwrapping gifts and the magic of Santa made lasting impressions on me.
So why do I still grapple with guilt over the abundance of toys? If I’m truly honest, it’s not the gifts themselves that trouble me; it’s the dread of others’ opinions. Social media is rife with parents sharing that they limit their children to just a few gifts or forgo presents altogether. Some even criticize those who choose to give their kids numerous toys, claiming it promotes materialism or poor parenting.
However, it’s essential to recognize that how families choose to celebrate holidays is their own business. No one should judge another’s parenting based on a single snapshot of a moment in time. Families like mine, who enjoy a festive and generous Christmas tradition, are not doing it wrong — we simply have our own way of celebrating.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a lot of gifts to wrap. For those interested in learning more about home insemination, check out this post on intracervical insemination, or visit Make a Mom for expert insights. If you’re seeking further information on pregnancy and home insemination, CCRM IVF is an excellent resource.
In summary, my family has a tradition of celebrating Christmas in a big way, and that brings us joy. While societal judgments may arise, the essence of the holiday for us lies in love, gratitude, and cherished memories.