In my family, we embrace the holiday season with grand celebrations, and I’m unapologetic about it. Last year, my sister shared a photo on social media showcasing the mountain of gifts under her tree, which quickly drew reactions of astonishment—comments like “wow,” “geez,” and “holy cow” flooded in. I understood their surprise; even we were taken aback by the sheer volume of it all. However, I found myself feeling a twinge of judgment creeping in. I wanted to clarify that the gifts were for nine family members and included hand-me-downs wrapped for fun by my sister. Yet, my defenses felt weak, leaving me embarrassed by what some perceived as a Christmas gift overload.
A Change of Heart
Fast forward to this October, I resolved to cut back this year. But as December rolled in, my closet transformed into a chaotic scene reminiscent of the intricate laser maze from Entrapment—minus the glamorous outfit. I’ve gone through my children’s wish lists repeatedly, hoping to find something to return. I even resorted to using an Excel spreadsheet—oh, the horror! But each item holds significance; I know my kids will cherish every doll, Lego set, and science kit. They are genuinely appreciative children.
Finding Balance
Recently, I expressed my worries about being materialistic to my partner, who reassured me that our family isn’t driven by materialism. Our tradition of “spoiling” our kids occurs only at Christmas. Throughout the year, we avoid impulse buys and often opt for family outings as gifts instead. More importantly, we focus on the true spirit of the season, teaching our children about love, gratitude, and giving back. We regularly donate to charity and make time for family—values we uphold year-round, not just during the holidays.
My partner also emphasized the joy in creating lasting memories for our children, including the excitement of unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning. I fondly recall my own childhood filled with joyous Christmas mornings—rushing to the living room, where gifts awaited, and believing in the magic of Santa Claus. Those cherished memories are irreplaceable.
Guilt and Judgment
Yet, I still grapple with guilt over the pile of gifts hidden away. The truth is, if it weren’t for the fear of judgment from others, I would feel no guilt at all. My unease stems not from my beliefs about Christmas or materialism, but from the weight of external opinions.
Social media often showcases parents who restrict their kids to minimal gifts, and some go as far as to shame those who opt for abundance. However, each family should decide how to celebrate the season without facing judgment. Our family’s tradition of extravagant Christmases is simply that—a tradition.
Wrapping Up with Joy
As I prepare to wrap the gifts, I remind myself that it’s about joy, love, and the memories we create together.
For those interested in exploring more about family planning and home insemination, check out resources like IVF Babble or learn about artificial insemination kits to assist you in your journey, along with our informative post on home insemination strategies.
Conclusion
In summary, while holiday traditions may differ, what matters is the love and joy shared with family. Celebrating Christmas in a big way is a cherished part of my family’s identity, and I refuse to let guilt overshadow that.