This is one of those random posts that is published purely to feed my own nosiness!
I hear all sorts of comments regarding levels of Xmas spending from “I spend £1000 on my two” to “Mine get one big present and a stocking”. I also get to hear lots of comments and opinions on what people think of what others spend on their kids, with “spoilt” and “waste” bandied about quite freely.
Firstly… my personal opinion on this one is what people choose to spend on their children at Christmas is entirely their own business, and those who are outraged at their extravagance have 1) no right to an opinion on how people spend their money/ raise their children and 2) moot point really, but for those accused of having more money than sense etc when it comes to Xmas shopping, who is to know how long people have saved or what extra work they’ve taken on to afford what they’ve bought.
We tend to not go too overboard ourselves, last year Kieran got a big present, a crammed stocking and a few bits and pieces and have done the same this year. I don’t think this is overkill, or too little, especially when you consider he is only four!
So, without inviting any comment about what is right/wrong when choosing an amount to spend, what do YOU do at Xmas- do you go all out and have a big December splurge? Is Xmas half gifts for pleasure and half necessary items ie new coats/clothes? Are you a token gift family, follow a strict budget per person…what? I’m curious what the “norm” is, although I suspect there is a lot of variation. I know Xmas isn’t really supposed to be about material things but for most parents gifts are the big thing!
Looking forward to reading your comments!
