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I know it's been a long time, but I'm back with another vlog today. My goal is to do one a week, so if you have any ideas for topics/questions to answer, feel free to let me know.
I asked for ideas on the Mama Loves Papa facebook page and Margo said this,
"I'd love to see your opinion on Christmas presents/spoiling kids with excessive expensive gifts. Everyone I talk to is buying iPads and other obnoxious gifts for their young kids and I find myself biting my tongue. How do you explain to your kids that those kinds of things may not be realistic? what other ways do you encourage the magic of giving in your home?"
In the video I only addressed how we do gifts, but Margo brought up several other interesting topics. The first being what kinds of gifts we buy our kids vs what other people buy their kids.
I don't think that iphones or ipads are bad in and of themselves (and, I wouldn't say no if you wanted to give me one!), but as far as giving them to our kids for Christmas, it's not what we do. I think it's important to teach my children that just because one family does something one way, doesn't mean our family does (or should) do things the same way. It's just not for us.
At eight years old this isn't too hard to do, but I think it's important to ingrain it in them for the difficult topics and conversations we'll have eight years from now. The gifts we're giving our kids are simple and age-approriate- legos, dolls, and a toy sword or two, which may or may not something suitable for your family.
I also love the phrase, "magic of giving." It's true in our house, as it probably is in yours, too, that Christmas is not about the gifts. Gifts are fun (so fun!), but I want my children's focus to be on other things besides the gifts. We sponsor a child and during the holidays they offer lots of other ways to give to and bless your child. We give change to the Salvation Army ringers and talk about where that money goes. We talk about how little some people have and how it's important for us to give. And, most of all, we direct their attention to the birth of Jesus.
I think you guys balance each other nicely ;) At this stage in our wee one's life I choose to just make (or thrift) a few simple gifts.. since YES, they will be spoiled by relatives! I really want to keep this season focused not on getting - but the joy of giving - most importantly: giving thanks to God!
ReplyDeleteP.S... wanna know something funny? You're wearing the awesome FOX sweater I wanted - but was sold out.. so on my blog today = OWL sweater and my own fox version! lol Great minds...
xx
mel
needle and nest design
You're so cute and stylish!!
DeleteI think thrifted gifts are the BEST! We thrifted most of our gifts last year. This year the boys are way into legos and they only want specific sets. Shopping all thifted/handmade for 8 and 6 year old boys is near impossible. :) Silas and Finley, on the other hand...
I love this. So appropriate. I find myself wondering what those children who get ipads at 6 year olds will expect when they are 15 years old? I think its best to keep in mind the spirit of Christmas.
ReplyDeletewww.domesticatedworkingwoman.blogspot.com
Yes, I totally agree! :)
DeleteI have always liked the idea of three gifts like the three wise men brought when baby Jesus was born. And it's cool that I can tie it in to reading about the 'First Christmas' with my boys. So, we are doing something similar this year...two boys-three gifts-one to share and one individual gift each! Maybe down the road we will do three gifts each...?
ReplyDeleteI hope your Christmas is wonderful! :)
I always found the stocking stuffers the best part of Christmas morning. It was a lot of little gifts, mandarin oranges, and candy nothing spectacular but it was fun. The amount of gifts I got each year varied throughout childhood, but I couldn't tell you if that made a difference at all.
ReplyDeleteSomething to think about for next year, mind you my baby will be a week shy of a year then. So I have time haha
When you said that you and Eric had different views on gifts I was holding my breath to hear what Eric's views were because I am a strong believer in NO gifts and lo and behold, Eric is "one or none is enough". That made me laugh! It must be a Fairchild thing.
ReplyDeleteSean and I used to give each other gifts (the first year) and now that we are on our third Christmas together it has turned into "Christmas is on Tuesday??!" It is really freeing not to feel obligated to get each other gifts or to get anyone in our family a gift. My co-workers are in panic-mode trying to online shop during their breaks or run to the mall after work. I feel slightly superior when I can say "oh, we don't DO gifts".
If you want some insight into Eric's mentality... my parents stopped giving us gifts in Jr. High or High School and focused on the stockings instead. Their explanation was we all get so much during the year that forced gifts on Christmas turned into us getting junk. And, that really turned out to be true.
Anyways, loved this vlog and looking forward to seeing you guys soon!!
You guys are all just a bunch of scrooges! Juuuuust kidding! I love you!
DeleteI love when you leave comments and I leave hearing your point of view. Especially when it gives me insight into Eric! :) We can't wait to see you guys and the little pups!
Awh Morgan!! So great! Thank you so much for sharing. With my only child(currently), Moses, being 15 it IS harder than it was when he was little...Especially with having family or close friends that live a little differently. We always try to go with that same saying, so it's nice to hear you have tried it. We have rang the bell for Salvation Army (which he LOVED and we had all our family and friends visit. too fun!)This year we collected donations and handed out candy canes for a local Christmas lights display at our City Park. I think trying something different every year is a fun tradition. May you have a very Merry Magical Christmas Morgan!
ReplyDeletei love your vlogging! you are a doll. i kind of have your mindset-- i want christmas to be magical with lots of fun gifts--b/c i don't buy things for the kids throughout the year (unless it's at a garage sale or thrifted, ya know), christmas and birthdays are my time to do it. i think this year we got each kid four things as well. we don't pick a certain number for any particular reason, this year just happened to be four. but like you said, for me, it's more important they understand what christmas is truly about--and i want them to be thinking of others! so we go caroling, sponsor a child, and go through our toys to give to others in need.
ReplyDeleteDo you have any traditions about reading the Christmas Story about Christ's birth, or setting up a manger scene, or a favorite Christmas book to read? Curious what fun family traditions you have, aside from the gifts. :)
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