Trying to find a balance at Christmas

Last updated: 24/12/2015 11:49 by LucyKennedy to LucyKennedy's Blog
Filed under: Mums Love Lucy

Like most families, we all go absolutely berserk at Christmas and as a country, we are one of the biggest spenders at this time of year. Shopping like crazy and spending all around us!

I actually started my Christmas shopping in September, picking up bits and pieces so I wouldn't have a last minute panic! So now I'm, thankfully, all done and dusted.
 
So, onto buying and giving to Jack (6) and Holly (3). It's very very hard not to go absolutely crazy and buy lots.

The problem is, like alot of families, all of our relatives buy for our children and I understand why, but they absolutely clean up!

It gets to the stage where they rip open the pressies before barely saying thank you. And then for a few weeks after Christmas, they expect pressies when the postman calls in or when someone randomly knocks on our door. It gets embarrassing!

They turn into present-obsessed small people - always looking for gifts or talking about gifts!
 
It's very difficult for parents I think. Every children's programme has at least five ad breaks showing toys. There were two toy shows on the telly this year!

They talk in school about prezzies and what they are asking Santa for. They are surrounded by modern technology and expensive toys and it does get to the stage where all of their friends are getting a certain item and it's very hard not to join in.

Thankfully, we haven't reached that stage yet and we have a few more years of 'surprises please', but I see it with my friends who have older children. It's big pressure and not fair, but what can we do?? 
 
Jack and Holly are not spoilt because we make it our absolute business that they never will be. It really irks us both to see spoilt children and we just don't like it.

We teach our children values and explain to them just how lucky they are. They understand that Mummy and Daddy work very hard and have to work so that we can buy them some presents. They are very aware that some children don't get any presents, ever.

As a family, we try and give as much as we can to charities, especially where children are concerned and we make it our business to show Jack and Holly how lucky they are. It's very important to us that they understand and appreciate what they have.
 
But no matter what, expecting presents the whole time and generally having an 'attitude' does kick in, and Jack and Holly become a bit annoying for a few days until normal routine and life resumes!

I reckon that after Christmas, all children are just over-tired, over-excited, over-stimulated and over-indulged, and it takes a few weeks to get back into their routine. That said, it's my favorite time of year and I thank God that we have our two healthy little children to give presents to.
 
Good luck fellow parents - I hope that you all have a very happy and safe Christmas.

Let the chaos and fun begin!
 
Déanta in Éirinn - Sheology
About