I want my daughter to understand and appreciate the true meaning of Christmas - celebrating the birth of Jesus. I am not trying to totally keep her from having anything... Santa is bringing her 4 gifts, I got her 2, and I am fine with everyone else giving her 1 thing. But no more than one thing unless it's like clothes or something she needs. I have been looking around that some of the other kids around here... I don't hear any mention of Jesus - just how many presents they want. It's really upsetting to me.
My daughter, on the other hand, wanted to get a gift for Baby Jesus and has asked for very few things considering her age. She has thought of small gifts for most of the people we know too. I do not want her to get spoiled and loose the meaning of Christmas. I never asked for much either, and I didn't get much because my family was poor. But no one is respecting my wishes of 1 present now that they have good jobs.
Am I wrong for not wanting my kid to be showered in gifts?
2006-12-23 06:18:43 · 13 answers · asked by Michelle 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
Sorry to anyone who wants more details. My kid is 4. I don't go to church very often, but she goes most Sundays.
Also, we live in a very small 1 bedroom apartment. We physically don't have much space for extra stuff. And between friends, family, neighbors, and my co-workers, there are over 20 people wanting to get stuff for my little girl.
The space thing isn't much of a concern. I can always put stuff in storage if I need to until we move in a couple of months. ... I just don't want her to be one of these people who thinks Christmas is about getting a ton of presents. I want her to appreciate what she has and remember what is most important.
2006-12-23 06:53:57 · update #1
maybe you can ask her if she wants to give some up after christmas to give to the poor. and she will learn that not everyone has so much. and the child that maybe didnt get any thing for christmas can be happy too.
2006-12-23 06:31:03 · answer #1 · answered by Lara <:(((>< 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christmas has become the most commercialized holiday ever. If you want your daughter to know this holiday for the beautiful celebration it was really meant to be- the birth of baby Jesus, then I commend you. I also commend you for allowing her to receive gifts. Many children focus only on the amount of toys that they want and unfortunately their parents allow that and cater to it.
It's good that you want to teach your daughter to appreciate the blessings she has. Getting Christmas gifts is a priviledge, not a right. That is why so many underpriviledged children don't get gifts at Christmas- their parents can't afford gifts.
You know this of course, because you didn't grow up in luxury. I know that I was thrilled to get 1 or 2 gifts when I was little!!
Keep strong. I think you're doing the right thing. Of course you won't deprive her. It's awesome to see their little faces transform with delight on Christmas morning as they're unwrapping their gifts. Explain to your friends and family what you are trying to do, your heart is in the right place.
2006-12-23 07:06:38 · answer #2 · answered by sugar 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think you are doing the right thing! children need to know the true meaning
of Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus not receiving gifts!
2006-12-23 11:33:16 · answer #3 · answered by Meranda 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You are perfectly in the right! Christmas is NOT about giving gifts, it is about the birth of Jesus Christ! It drives me insane when people complain about "not enough" gifts or gifts that "aren't good enough" or "expensive enough." Is that really the reason for the season? NO!
Continue telling friends and family(gently) that you would like them to only give your child one gift. If they feel that they really MUST give your daughter multiple gifts, perhaps you could ask them to donate to a charity in your daughters' name. If they still insist on giving multiple gifts, donate away! There are many other children out there who would GREATLY appreciate your friends/relatives' generosity.
2006-12-23 06:31:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
No! It sounds like you did a great job raising a nice, caring child. It is hard when everyone wants to heap on the gift.
I think what you are doing is wonderful. I am tired of watching my nieces open 30 or more gifts and say "Is that all?" or "I want more presents." You should hear how long and outrageous kids gift lists are getting. Keep up what you are doing. I think it's great that you want her to focus on the spiritual meaning of your holiday.
2006-12-23 06:45:11 · answer #5 · answered by Dreaming Dragon 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i think of it relies upon on the 33 presents you got them. we are doing a large santa present and a large present from mom and pa, and then like 5 or 6 stocking stuffers and one or 2 shared presents for all of the babies. (like toboggans) so actually each and every youngster is getting like 10 provides... yet, while they take a seat decrease back on the tip of the day, what they're going to think of of is gonna be like 2-3 plus some stocking stuffers. as long as you got a minimum of a million or 2 important and remarkable provides you're good.
2016-11-23 13:24:51 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No...you are not wrong for not wanting to shower your child in gifts. You are no more wrong than the folks that don't celerbrate Christmas like you. Every family has a right to choose how they celerbrate the holidays...for they are more than one religion and many faiths. Choose what is in your heart and repect others for what is in their hearts.
Happy holidays and a safe New Years, too.
2006-12-23 06:38:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I can understand you wanting your child to know the real meaning of Christmas, but I do think you are over doing it just a little bit. If you only want her to have a few things from you and Santa that's fine but if other people want to buy her things as a 'treat' I don't see anything wrong with that. You should let them buy her what they want to (even expensive things) but make sure that she knows that is the exception not the rule.
2006-12-23 06:33:24 · answer #8 · answered by Laura 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋
I am not sure about the age of your child? You give b/c you want to give; you limit b/c you want to now make an example out of your children; You are turning Christmas into a game about numbers, how many presents do you get ; I hope that God doesn't limit his gifts bestowed on you; do you have a manger displayed; do you go to church; do you take your child to hear the choir sing; do you volunteer ; do you donate ; we really are loving people who just want to open our hearts and give; do we give too much , yes; but if you balance everything out , you don't have to worry about spoiling; personally, I hope that God doesn't limit the gifts in my life so as not to spoil me; there was a missionary from Africa who gave a sermon how people have to learn to accept a gift; if you need to give but you need to learn how to receive as well; did you ration out your love too b/c you don't want to give too much ? other people have to answer for themselves, and sometimes what you see on the outside isn't what is in the inside.
2006-12-23 06:43:41 · answer #9 · answered by sml 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
No my parents get me like 3 things but my grandma buys me whatever i want. Jesus is tha main foucs of Christmas anyways... if she little then it should matter my cousin is soo selfish so have soo many toys and wont share with with sister or brother..
Its better the way you are doing it!
Happy Christamss
Bea
2006-12-23 06:30:31 · answer #10 · answered by Bea 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋