How many is TOO many this Christmas?
Do you find the debate endless about how many Christmas presents you should give your children? At Edstart we feel it’s forever ongoing. How generous is too generous? How many is too many? How little is too little? Everyone it seems, has an opinion and everyone has a budget of their own to be guided by.
In a previous blog we wrote about the importance of generosity to others during the festive period. But it’s also about showing those you love how much you care, spending time with them, and as we all know, give presents. But the debate will forever be, is there a right amount of presents to give your children?
Kids and presents
With teenagers older and wiser, some would say they older they get the less they should receive. After all, some have part-time jobs, they have more freedom than when they were younger, and arguably, some are far naughtier than as a child (some!). So is this warranted? Less as they get older? Or should each child/teenager receive the same amount as each other?
Try having this conversation with your friends and you may get into trouble. I know some people are extremely vocal that their way is the only way: ‘Give them as much as you like,’ says one, ‘They deserve it’ says another. ‘It’s really the only time of year you are able to spoil your children guilt-free,’ one says.
Of course, on the other hand is the opposite side of the fence who are just as looming in their views that children and teenagers should only receive two or three gifts. ‘It’s about family,’ one will say, ‘it’s about quality time.’ Of course, lots of presents and quality time are by no means, one or the other. You can be spoiling and have a great week of food, fun and laughter together.
The question to be asking
What really is the key question when thinking of going overboard with presents is whether or not as teenagers, they have learnt to appreciate these gifts. As we have become older parents, there are certain things that have become clear. And while we stay silent on these matters, we know in our minds that some of our kids’ friends that are downright spoilt. The value of money has been lost on them, and giving too many gifts at Christmas and birthdays is one contributing factor. We like to think it’s never our kids, but one must look at their children and evaluate.
So with this dilemma of Christmas presents, be honest with yourself about if your near-adult children have learnt to appreciate the value of money and gift-giving. And it’s important to reserve your judgment when out and about with your friends as sometimes this may only create unwanted issues. Plus with our teenagers, if you are one of those who believe that less is more as they get older, you can always justify that it’s no longer ‘Santa’ doing the gift-giving…