[tracilicious]

I totally get what you are saying, Nephy. On one hand, it feels really good to give things to your kids that you know they will enjoy. It is so fun to see the excited look on their faces as they open gifts. At the same time, we (all of us) buy way too much stuff in this country. I don't want to pass on that kind of consumerism to the kids. So, my solution is to do xmas somewhat low key and find other opportunities to experience excitement with my kids. Discovering new things, learning together, going new places, and just plain having fun with them all give me (and them) that same thrill. We also extend our xmas experience by making xmas crafts, doing solstice festivities with friends, etc. in the few weeks before xmas.

Last year was our first xmas and it really seemed like we were trying to fill some quota of gifts. This year my philosophy is a bit different. I want Indi and Jade to have the memories I don't have of receiving their hearts desires at a special time with his family. I also want them to always feel that we live in a universe of abundance and that there is always a way for them to have what they desire (though it doesn't always need to come from me). We are getting one large gift for both of them (a train table), then for Indi we are getting him Optimus Prime and Santa is bringing a roboraptor, Jade is getting stuff a two year old likes (um, ok, I'm not really sure what yet and honestly she doesn't care very much either), plus a few open ended toys like tinker toys, puzzles, books, etc. for them to share. We have a few relatives that will get them things as well. In their stockings will be some candy canes, maybe a few very small, very cheap, toys, a flashlight, and some fruit/snacks.

Even though I'm trying to keep things low key giftwise that still seems like a lot of stuff to me. I wouldn't feel bad if it was less. But we are pretty frugal the rest of the year and we don't buy them much in general. Plus Indi is growing out of the preschoolish toys he has now and is ready to move on to bigger kids stuff.

Nephy, maybe you could figure out the feelings you and your kids want to experience associated with xmas and find ways to have that without buying excessively.