My fiance and I have 2 daughters. We haven't had a lot of money to spend on our daughters' only christmases so far. This year I went back to work so we will have a lot of extra money to spend. I feel kind of guilty because my oldest didn't get much her first 2 christmases and my youngest didn't get much last year (they're 28 months and 16 months). I want to make this christmas extra special for them. What do you think is too much to spend on christmas? We plan for *Santa* to bring them toys, clothes, and new shoes.
2006-09-09 19:56:19 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
We do all of the family things; bake cookies, decorate the tree together, read the real christmas story, go to church, etc. I do NOT plan on using my credit card or over spending. I'm just really excited this year. The past 2 eayrs we could only get them a few things, an outfit and 1 toy. I don't know I guess it's just me.
2006-09-09 20:14:15 · update #1
Awww I think its so nice of you to be excited about what to get your girls for xmas.
Christmas is the best when you have kids.
Its personal choice what you spend, every year I say Im not going overboard this year , but I always do. Its the only time I spoil them rotton, they dont get much through the year but I love to give as much as I can at Christmas time. Childhood Christmas memories are the BEST!!
2006-09-10 00:36:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't go overboard. At this age they really dont need heaps. The toys they need at this age they will grow out of quickly and remember if you buy lot's this year what happens next year if you can't afford to keep up with this years lot of presents. To make christmas special it really is not about the amount of presents they get. They will not remember what toys they got . Ask them 1 week after christmas what toys they got and the answer will be "i don't know" Ask them what they remember doing for Christmas and you will get a different answer. Mine never say"remember that toy i got last year?" They ask me "are we going looking at Christmas lights again?" And then they talk about all the different ones they saw. It is the "little" things they remember. Make biscuits, put up the tree together, go looking for Christmas lights and most importantly teach them what christmas is really about. Tell the the story of Jesus, go to the childrens service christmas eve. Make paper chains. Don't over spend just enjoy the little things they mean more to them. On that how much do I spend. I'm not too sure. I buy throughout the year.
I give them one present each from me this year the presents are $35 each. I don't let Santa spend more than $100 (ish)
A couple of years ago i added up what I had bought throughout the year and it came to $350 each. I felt sick about that. They do not need that much. I had just been buying "little"things for 10 months and had forgotten what i had bought till I pulled it out of the cupboard and got such a shock. Some of it went back and I vowed never to go that far again. There are kids out there who get one present donated from the Salvation Army, my kids do not need that much. I have really cut down and they are not worse off for it. Don't make my mistake. Life is not about the material things
2006-09-10 00:00:38 · answer #2 · answered by Rachel 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Savings bonds are great for little kids, for birthdays, Christmas and other special occasions, along with a couple of toys they can play with. Then the bonds come in handy for college or their first car. When they are that young, they have no clue, they'll be excited with whatever they get. As they get older, having them help you make homemade gifts for each other and family members is nice, a great activity for family bonding, and it's fun too. Chritmas isn't all about gifts - make some of your own traditions. When my kids were little, the only things they could open was in their stockings until everyone was up and together.
2006-09-09 20:23:16 · answer #3 · answered by mabell1025 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think I usually spend about 200 each year at Christmas for each of my kids. I don't count clothes or shoes normally as Christmas presents though. Its great that you are going to have more money this year. Your children are young and they don't care that they didn't get very much last year, I bet any child would be happy with just one present. I think they are just happy spending time with you and wouldn't notice if they didn't get anything at all, cookies are good enough. =)
2006-09-09 21:18:56 · answer #4 · answered by Christinamk227 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
honestly yes it is about christ.. and what i think you have done in the past with all the baking and decorating is the best of all.. they like presents too but what you are giving them in the preperation of christmas is what will be there for ever.. remember what it was like to smell the cooking and baking at Grandmas house and the hand painted things and the messy ginger bread house.. wow.. now that is what it is all about also.. give them memories they last a life time give them toys they last until they get borded with it.. lots of small toys under the tree is always the best.. then the big ones from santa... wow.. they will carry that tradition for the rest of thier lifes.
2006-09-09 20:36:23 · answer #5 · answered by ladonna b 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your kids will be overwhelmed if you O D on presents. Just get them each four or five presents each...things you think they'd really love. Include books and games that the family can play together. All they really want is lots of attention from you at this age so make it a family affair.
2006-09-10 15:56:49 · answer #6 · answered by Duma 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how much you want to spend. If you cant pay your bills or you dip into the emergency fund, thats when its too much. Just spend wisely and have a wonderufl christmas. And always remember, its the thought that counts. Put love into it and it doesnt matter how much you spend.
I think its great that you are excited. You should be, you earned it. I think you should splurge a little.
2006-09-09 19:59:11 · answer #7 · answered by Jess 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
They wont care too much about anything since they are so young. Clothes and shoes are not important to kids that age but they are a necessity..just don't disguise clothes as gifts from Santa.
I would say get them each 2 age appropriate gifts that fit your budget.
2006-09-10 01:03:10 · answer #8 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
keep in mind, they're too young to remember this... in fact, they won't remember any of this until they're about 5 years old, and the memories will be cloudy at best!
Give them what they need, not what you think they want. Kids their age don't have wants anyway.
Personally... I think gifts should have more thought put into them than money. In a perfect world, i could make a gift for everyone that I want to give one to... It should mean more that way!
2006-09-09 20:00:56 · answer #9 · answered by MattMan 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
put a limit and stay within your means. if you want, put an envelop aside and mark it only for Christmas. Never give to Uncle Credit Card!
But, the truth is, yes, things may make us happy but things are only temporary. The kids want your time, attention and love. These are forever treasures.
2006-09-09 20:01:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋