Well, we’re nearly there. It’s almost Christmas!
Thanks to Amazon, I now feel (almost) organised. Our big food shop (because the shops will be closed for a whole day) is planned for Sunday, a mammoth present wrapping session will follow and then I’ll relax, and probably fall into a chocolate (prosecco) induced stupor.
But, the one thing I must not do? I must not fall into my usual do the kids have enough presents panic and buy lots of random rubbish, just so that they have (even) more parcels to open.
Because, the kids do have enough presents.
My husband and I made a decision this year to keep the presents under control; to really keep them under control.
We always say this (I’m sure we all do), but those last few days of shopping panic always result in far more presents entering the house than we ever intended.
I’ll admit something to you now.
When we moved to the US we shipped virtually all the kids toys and books. At the expense of mummy’s clothes and shoes!
Most of those toys are in still in boxes in the attic.
In all honesty, we don’t have enough space for all of their toys, but even if we did: they only play with one thing at a time. They have a week of being obsessed with Lego. Then a week of hot wheels. Then a week of hexbugs.
You get the idea.
Our children already have enough toys.
Some would say that we spoil them, they have never wanted for anything. That’s not to say that we buy them lots of toys, we don’t. But, if there is something that they really want, and they’ve been good and kind and helpful, then we will supplement the money in their money boxes and let them buy a new Skylander, or hot wheels car, or beyblade.
They aren’t greedy.
Their Christmas lists this year only had a few requests. The 7yo asked for Skylanders Swap Force and a Rainbow Loom (the current class obsession!) and the 4yo asked for the Turbo DVD, a Skylander (so he can play with his brother), a small Beyblade Arena and a Lightening McQueen car.
Santa has met their requests.
Then, we organised the presents from my mother and my in-laws. Then from their uncles and aunt. Then from each other. Then their stockings…
They each have a great set of presents! They will love them.
But, we looked at the pile and thought, enough.
So, this year we aren’t buying them presents from us (by that, I mean in addition to their stocking and Santa presents of course!).
This year, they will each get a voucher entitling them to be Boss for the Day.
Over the holidays, they will have a day where they get to choose what we do (we will ‘assist’ the wee girl!).
So, it could be IHOP for breakfast, McDonalds for lunch; the Aquarium, Children’s Museum, bowling, the cinema or the park. It could be baking or crafts or playing games. Or, eating pizza and popcorn and watching a movie. Anything at all. It will be their call.
We are giving them an event. We are giving them a special day. We are giving them memories.
I can’t wait to see what they choose to do!
I have always felt that the real joy at Christmas was in the giving. But, I also believe that joy comes in doing something together, as a family.
How do you feel about Christmas presents? Is Christmas the one time of year to enjoy excess or do you try to focus on the event rather than the gifts? Is your attitude to Christmas changing as your children get older?
I love ‘Boss for the Day’!! Brilliant idea and it’ll be so much fun for them (and hopefully you!) I actually wrote about the ‘is it enough’ dilemma a few days ago, as I always do what you do, too! Will remember this idea for future years, though. Hope you blog about those days, as dying to know what the kids choose to do!
I’ve just commented on your post :) Our comments must have crossed in the ether! I will absolutely blog about their days, I’m really looking forward to seeing what they decide to do :)
I love this idea. We always put in a board game for much the same reason.
Thanks x I’m hoping that it will be a success… Will let you know :)
Yes, we try to not go crazy with gifts for the kids at Christmas time. Ultimately they receive A LOT with all of the generous relatives who are excited to buy for them. Your experience idea is a good one!! I suggested a gift certificate to our zoo to be used toward zoo classes for a relative and am excited to check them out. Congrats to you & your blog on 1 year! Enjoy the holidays!
I really hope they enjoy it – they love the memberships we have, and really enjoy spending a day out with us, so I think they will love getting no decide what we do :)
And, thank you – can’t believe it’s been a year!
A very Merry Christmas to you and your family, have a wonderful time x
I was planning to keep the presents under control until my two gave us a late santa letter and we needed to make sure they each received something on their list! (We did ignore the request for a diamond and ruby on my rock crazy son’s list!) As most of our stuff, including the kids toys, are still in storage in UK I’ve had a tendency to overbuy sometimes out of guilt.
That would certainly make it more difficult!
I completely understand where you’re coming from, we’ve been doing the same over the last year, especially last Christmas – but they are so much more settled now, it’s time to take a step back and hopefully set a precedent for the future xx
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This year, the kid’s piles are modest. I like to give them something from us, but it really adds to the amount of stuff especially when they are usually spoiled by family and friends. But I honestly find on a daily basis, they are happy with less. and the less stuff there is, the less stuff I/ we have to look after and then the more time we spend together. I love activity vouchers. looking forward to hearing how Boss for the day goes down. I’m not sure I would be willing to give up that title easily, even if for a day! :-) Happy Christmas!
I find the same, they have their favourite toys but there are actually only a few of those, and thankfully they are mainly ones that they can play with together which is a lot more fun for all of us. I will blog about their days :) I will have to try very hard not to try to ‘influence’ the day!
That is such a great idea. I always panic we haven’t got ours enough but by the time you add in everyone else’s they don’t care! Hope you have a fantastic Christmas and I look forward to finding out what your children decide to do with their vouchers!
Thank you! I’m looking forward to seeing what they decide to do too :)
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Beautiful and inspiring. . Happy New Year full of blessings to you and your family.
Thank you so much. Happy New Year to you and your family too x
I love the idea of “Boss for the Day” vouchers. I think I’ll make some for my kids too! Do you mind if I share printable vouchers on my blog and link back to your blog as the source of the idea?
That’s absolutely fine, and thank you for asking! I’m glad that you like the post :)