In my family, we embrace the spirit of Christmas with enthusiasm, and I make no apologies for it. Last year, my brother-in-law shared a photo showcasing the mountain of gifts piled beneath their tree, and naturally, it sparked quite a reaction online. The comments ranged from astonished “wows” to incredulous “geez” and even a “holy cow!” I completely understood the surprise; we were taken aback ourselves—like, “Did we really accumulate all this?” Yet, there was a nagging feeling of being judged. I felt the need to explain that those gifts were for a total of nine people, and many were hand-me-downs from my niece to my daughter, beautifully wrapped by my sister just for the fun of it. But all my defenses felt weak, leaving me a bit ashamed of our festive display.
A New Approach
Fast forward to this year, I vowed to be more moderate in my approach. Come October, I was determined to rein in my shopping. But as December rolled around, opening my closet felt like a scene out of a heist movie—minus the glamour, of course. I found myself pouring over my children’s wish lists, desperately searching for items to return. Yes, I even resorted to using an Excel spreadsheet. But every time I tried to eliminate something, I couldn’t bear to part with any of the gifts. I know how much joy each doll, Lego set, and science kit will bring them, and they are genuinely appreciative kids.
Conversations About Materialism
Recently, I confided in my partner about my guilt over what I perceived as materialism. He gently reminded me that the only time we “indulge” our kids is during the holidays. We don’t buy toys on a whim throughout the year, and for birthdays, we often favor experiences over presents. He emphasized that we instill the true essence of Christmas—love, charity, and gratitude—by discussing the different ways people live around the world, the importance of gratitude, and giving back to the community. We contribute to charitable causes both financially and materially, and prioritize family time throughout the year.
He also noted that our kids will carry cherished memories of Christmas mornings filled with excitement, alongside the lessons of generosity. I, too, fondly recall my own childhood Christmases, marked by flying wrapping paper, delighted shrieks, and the thrilling belief in Santa’s magical visit. Those memories are invaluable to me.
Grappling with Guilt
So why do I grapple with guilt over the gifts stashed in my closet? If I’m honest, my unease stems from the fear of judgment rather than any personal conflict about materialism. Social media is rife with parents proudly declaring their minimalist approaches to holiday gifting or criticizing those who give their kids numerous presents. This pressure creates an environment where some might feel they need to justify their choices in parenting based on a single snapshot of one day.
Celebrating Our Way
Ultimately, how families choose to celebrate Christmas—or any holiday—is their own prerogative. Just because my family enjoys grand festivities doesn’t mean we’re doing it wrong.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a mountain of gifts to wrap. For more insights on family planning, you might find our post on home insemination kits helpful, especially if you’re considering expanding your family. Additionally, you can check out this fantastic resource on treating infertility to gain further understanding.
In summary, the holiday season in my family is a time for joy, love, and cherished memories, and I refuse to let societal pressures dictate how we celebrate.