This post was inspired by an email conversation I had with my sister a few weeks ago. We were talking about Christmas and what we were buying our kids etc., when my sister asked how much I was buying our twins for Christmas.
Up until that point I hadn’t really thought about it.
I replied saying that I think kids would be happy with a handful of presents, but that I thought it was the parents who ultimately feel the need to buy their kids everything on their letter to Santa.
This got me thinking. As I said above I think children who are close in age to our twins, (4 years old), would genuinely be happy with a handful of presents. Children who are perhaps a little older, may expect more, but I can’t say for certain as our twins are four.
So what am I going to get them for Christmas?
Well, both my husband and I have been very lucky this year. Much like last year, we’ve both received and saved a fair amount of shopping vouchers. From Amazon to Love2Shop vouchers etc., and we’ve of course put some money aside which we’ve earned from our blogs too.
For us, the majority of Christmas is paid for by what we earn through our blogs. If we didn’t have all of the vouchers and earnings that we have from our blogs, would we buy our children any less?
Probably not, but the way in which we approach Christmas would probably be very different. Certainly this year and last, I’ve not made any effort to put money from my ‘normal job’ away towards to Christmas because I knew that we had vouchers and money from our blogs coming.
If we didn’t earn money and vouchers from our blogs, I think we’d definitely save some money each month to put away for Christmas which would ultimately mean that we’d still our girls the same amount of things.
The question is though, how much should I buy my kids for Christmas?
A few things off their Christmas lists? Everything?
Truth be told, I tend to buy them everything from their Christmas lists and more. Am I setting a precedent? An expectation that all Christmases will be like this? Perhaps, but for now, whilst I can afford to, then I’ll continue to buy them what they want and more.
Does this mean they’re spoilt?
In my opinion, no. It means they’re very lucky. In some ways they’re ‘victims’ of our success.
They receive a lot of toys throughout the year as a result of the reviews we both do. I can certainly understand why some would perceive this to be spoilt, but put it this way. If you were offered something for your child, a toy perhaps, or an experience day out, maybe even money, would you refuse it?
Of course, next year could be different. We may not be as fortunate and if that’s the case then inevitably they’d get less, but until then, why shouldn’t I buy them what they’ve wished for and more?
I wouldn’t say they’ve asked for a lot and I certainly wouldn’t go overboard and buy them a ridiculous amount of presents. After all, we only live in a small house, so we’d have nowhere to keep it all if I did that!
What do you do? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
