Is It possible to give too much to our kids at christmas?

[DianaB]

Originally Posted by Tink

This might be a good chance to teach your kids compassion. Maybe ask each one to choose one gift on their list to give to some other shild who isn't going to have such a great Christmas this year. If they give something that means something to them, chances are it will stick with them that they are VERY lucky to be able to spare something. If they have extra gifts they don't really like from the other sources, they could donate those too. I think the good feeling we get when we're able to give to someone else is also a great gift to ourselves!

I'm glad you're thinking about this. It shows the kids have a good example to lead them... and that's the greatest gift of all.

I was going to suggest this as well. Let the kids share what they have with someone else who could use it. Do you have an organization that gathers up toys to distribute to children? Donate a few toys or what ever else to it.

A few years ago my daughter (she must have been about 5 yr. old) won a huge box of Barbie stuff at a Wal-mart store. I mean HUGE! She picked out some stuff and we went to the police station and donated it to their Christmas Box. She's 14 now and still remembers giving to others.

[Willow]

Those are great ideas!! Thank you! I don't know why I didn't think of that myself!

[Brooke]

I would let them have the gifts... I would explain that so and so gave them gifts too... if i gave some one's kids gifts i would be upset if they didnt get them. I understand what your thinking but these people are sharing with you in the true Christmas spirit, and you don't want to deprive them of their gifts to their kids do you??? I would really be upset if they had to give their gifts away... I put much thought into gifts and would hope they would be loved by the reciever... Please don't be mad, it's just my opinion....

[Marilyn]

All of these are really good ideas. In my opinion, whatever you decide will be okay. Your children don't seem old enought to really remember from one Christmas to the next just how big last year's was. I do like the suggestion to save some, even if you just make them just because gifts to give them in a month or so. If they get them all at once, they may not be able to really appreciate each gift. If they are spread out a little over time, they will enjoy them more. Giving one away is a great idea, too.

Again, I don't think you can make a wrong decision.

Great problem to have. Much better than not enough gifts. You have some great people around you.

Merry Christmas!!!!!

[Willow]

Originally Posted by Brooke

I would let them have the gifts... I would explain that so and so gave them gifts too... if i gave some one's kids gifts i would be upset if they didnt get them. I understand what your thinking but these people are sharing with you in the true Christmas spirit, and you don't want to deprive them of their gifts to their kids do you??? I would really be upset if they had to give their gifts away... I put much thought into gifts and would hope they would be loved by the reciever... Please don't be mad, it's just my opinion....

I understand what you are saying. I will tell you quite honestly that it is hard for me to NOT give them all of it. A very selfish part of me wants them to have it all so I can enjoy their excitement while they open them.

Another part of me feels guilty that my kids were so blessed this year considering there are others out there in the same predicament we are. When Help Me Grow brought my kids the gifts they had for them I even asked them if there were other families in the area that needed them more. She said we were the only family that had a need right now (I really don't believe that!) and I told them, well my kids don't need more gifts. They have been blessed already. The super laughed at me and said "of course they need more! It's Christmas!"

I did tell them about another family I know that has children that is having a rough time for Christmas (same family I shared the share a christmas with) and they promised me they would see what they could do for that family even though they do not live in our county. They said the had to help within county first before they help out of county, but they do know the family I mentioned.

My husband wants me to let them have it all. He thinks it would be cruel to let them open all their gifts and then tell them they have to give some away. I just think it would teach my kids how to care and be compassionate towards others. His reason for not wanting to hold back for birthdays is we don't have a big enough place to store gifts for several months.

What I would REALLY love to be able to do is adopt kids off those angel trees and have my kids shop for those kids.

[DianaB]

Instead of MAKING them give a gift try sitting down and explaining the situation to the older children and let it be their choice. They may know someone from school or church or somewhere that they would like to share a toy with. Then let them wrap or be a part of the wrapping and the giving. Kids love giving gifts to others. If they decide that they don't want to do it then that would be alright too, just make it their decision.

[Willow]

Originally Posted by DianaB

Instead of MAKING them give a gift try sitting down and explaining the situation to the older children and let it be their choice. They may know someone from school or church or somewhere that they would like to share a toy with. Then let them wrap or be a part of the wrapping and the giving. Kids love giving gifts to others. If they decide that they don't want to do it then that would be alright too, just make it their decision.

I really like that idea!! And I know my daughter would definitely go for it!! Especially if I present the idea to them in a positive way! Katie loves to make others happy! Thank you so very much!!

No!!! if you cant spoil them who can!

[Brooke]

I understand where your coming from Willow. I love helpng others at Christmas and I remember one year my daugher had a fairy tale Barbie she wanted to give away and we did... I was happy she was willing to give it away. It wasn't new but it looked new and there was a family we knew that had their home burn down. She went through all her stuff to see what we could do to help.

I grew up poor...We didn't have much, but my Mom some how pulled Christmas off every year. I loved my little gifts and cherished them... I was thrilled to have new things that were pretty and fun to play with. I know you want your kids to do something nice for others, and I think that is a great thing to teach. When i take a friend to lunch and we fight over who will pay, I tell them, you have to recieve with grace so the person giving can feel the blessing of giving... Other wise you deprive them of the great feeling they get when they give! There is a time to give and a time to recieve... Just know you are loved, and cared about...
I know what ever you do it will be right for you and your family... Merry Christmas And God Bless!