Every year during the holiday season, a familiar sentiment circulates among those who take a strict view of Christmas. Often emerging from self-proclaimed Christmas purists—individuals who have contemplated the essence of the holiday while likely enjoying the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Carol of the Bells” on loop—this message critiques materialism, excessive spending, and the frantic pace of December. They typically proclaim that their children 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!”
From the very beginning, when the Magi presented gold to the newborn Christ, Christmas has been intertwined with the joy of giving and receiving gifts. The offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were extravagant—far beyond what any ordinary family could afford. The tradition of abundant gift-giving has been part of this celebration since its inception. Even the little drummer boy contributed what little he had instead of bowing out due to financial constraints.
In keeping with this age-old tradition, my children will be receiving an abundance of gifts this year—not just a few token items. They’ll be getting lots of things they desire: my middle child will be swimming in Spinosauruses, my youngest will be surrounded by Play-Doh, and my oldest might enjoy some classic Nintendo games. The gifts will include Matchbox cars, plastic dinosaurs, and Legos galore. (Let’s be honest, the baby will get Minifigs.)
And let’s not forget the presents from their two sets of grandparents and godparents, which will surely add to the mountain of gifts. There’s no Santa in our house; we want our kids to know that all these gifts are from us. I refuse to let some mythical figure take the credit for our generosity.
I don’t view Christmas as the time to buy necessities for my children. I handle that every day, and it’s not exactly festive to disguise them as gifts. Would you give your child a graphing calculator with a cheerful “Merry Christmas”? Not in my house! And clothing? I won’t be wrapping up socks and underwear; that just feels unkind.
For children, Christmas is fundamentally about presents. While we strive to impart the significance of the holiday, the message of peace and goodwill is often challenging for them to grasp. They are more focused on the excitement of receiving gifts than the deeper meanings behind the holiday. After all, they adore the Christmas tree because that’s where the gifts are placed, and the tales of Santa resonate because he’s the figure who brings the presents.
We fully embrace this aspect of the holiday, and I make no apologies for it. Our family’s way of celebrating doesn’t detract from our compassion for those who are less fortunate or those who choose a more minimalist approach to gift-giving.
Receiving gifts is a vital part of Christmas. Sharing a meal with family, enjoying my mother’s delicious nut roll, and watching classic holiday films are all essential elements. We also prioritize worshipping at church and participating in charitable acts. But let’s not overlook the joy of simply getting gifts. On Christmas, we ensure our kids experience that delight.
It’s not about fulfilling every desire, either; they’d likely be content with fewer gifts. But Christmas is about the joy of children in matching pajamas running into the living room to exclaim, “Wow! Thanks, Mom! Thanks, Dad!” while tearing into their presents with glee.
So, while we indulge in the delightful chaos of gift-giving, it’s all part of the magic of the season. It’s fun, and it’s truly the spirit of Christmas.
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In summary, the holiday season is not only about giving but also about the joy of receiving, particularly for children. Celebrating with gifts is a cherished tradition that brings excitement and happiness to families, making Christmas a time of magic and fun.