In my family, Christmas is a grand affair, and I stand by that tradition. Last year, my brother-in-law shared a photo on social media showcasing the impressive mountain of gifts accumulated under their tree. The reactions were immediate—numerous “wow” comments and exclamations of disbelief. I get it; the sight was overwhelming. Even we found ourselves questioning if the gifts had somehow multiplied overnight. However, I felt a pang of judgment from others. I longed to clarify that those presents were for a family of nine and included hand-me-downs from my nieces to my daughter, all wrapped up with love. Yet, the impulse to justify our festive excess left me feeling somewhat embarrassed about our Christmas bounty.
A Modest Approach to Gift-Giving
Fast forward to this year, where I promised myself a more modest approach to gift-giving. But here we are, mid-December, and my closet resembles a chaotic scene from a heist movie—think of Catherine Zeta-Jones expertly maneuvering through laser beams, though considerably less glamorous. I’ve scrutinized the children’s wish lists, attempting to determine if there’s anything I should return (yes, I even maintain an Excel spreadsheet—go ahead and judge). However, I find myself unable to part with any of the gifts! Each toy, from dolls to science kits, holds the promise of joy and engagement for my children. They are genuinely appreciative kids, and I want to provide them with these experiences.
Finding Balance in Materialism
Recently, I confided in my partner about my guilt over what I perceived as materialism. He pointed out that we’re not actually materialistic; we reserve our “spoiling” for the holiday season. Throughout the year, we avoid impulsive toy purchases and limit birthday gifts to a few items or experiences as an alternative. Importantly, we strive to instill the true essence of Christmas—love, charity, and gratitude—in our children. We engage in discussions about global living conditions, emphasizing our good fortune and our obligation to give back. Our family prioritizes charitable contributions and meaningful time spent together, not just during the holiday season.
My partner also appreciates that our children will carry fond memories of Christmas mornings filled with excitement, alongside the values we aim to instill. I, too, cherish my own memories of joyous Christmases filled with laughter and the thrill of unwrapping gifts. Those moments are irreplaceable and have shaped my childhood.
Societal Judgment and Family Traditions
So, why does guilt still linger regarding our festive traditions? If I’m truly honest, it’s not about my feelings toward materialism; it’s the weight of societal judgment that weighs me down. Social media is rife with parents boasting about limiting their children to a mere three gifts or forgoing presents altogether. Many criticize those who embrace a more generous approach, labeling them as irresponsible or materialistic.
Yet, it’s crucial to understand that how families choose to celebrate Christmas is their prerogative. Judging someone’s parenting based on a single snapshot of their holiday experience is unfair. Families like mine, who embrace a larger Christmas celebration, are not wrong; we simply uphold a cherished tradition.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a mountain of presents to wrap up!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the way we celebrate the holidays can vary widely, and each family has its own traditions that reflect their values and experiences. Embracing the joy of giving and creating lasting memories is what truly matters, rather than succumbing to external pressures or judgments.
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