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How much is to much???
I was wondering how much money people spend on there children for christmas?
My husband and I Do Not agree on this at all so I thought I would ask some people
here on Med Help.
I have 3 kids 16, 11, 8 and I spend a close to 400 hundred each.
Is that to much?? or is there other people out there like me?
I sure hope there is I hate it when my husband is always right.......
Thanks :)
My husband and I Do Not agree on this at all so I thought I would ask some people
here on Med Help.
I have 3 kids 16, 11, 8 and I spend a close to 400 hundred each.
Is that to much?? or is there other people out there like me?
I sure hope there is I hate it when my husband is always right.......
Thanks :)
Oh I sure agree with you Barb...kids now a days have every electronic imaginable including TV's in their own bedroom, I know times are changing but I still remember scraping together to buy a second hand TV when we got married(1967)..
My 10 yr old grandson has it all...he's appreciative mind you, but after unwrapping everything got moved into the spare room where he is staying and 90% is still sitting there untouched!!
My 10 yr old grandson has it all...he's appreciative mind you, but after unwrapping everything got moved into the spare room where he is staying and 90% is still sitting there untouched!!
Well I havent had kids for christmas but this up coming one I will. We dont have much money and have to spend $1300 to go home for christmas. We usually spend $50 on everyone (2 nieces, mom, 2 dads, 2 brothers, a sister, aunt, uncle, 2 cousins) I think Ill endup spending $200ish on my kids but if we are flying home, it might be different. I agree that it depends on the income. My parents spend about $300 Id guess on each of us (3 kids)
This year, due to financial issues, we scaled way back. My kids are 19 and 24 so they are no long kids. They each got $100.00.
I bought for my parents and my nephew, and that was is. I spoke to my brother and his wife, and my sister, about us not exchanging gifts. It was MUCH better too. No stress on gifts, trying to find something they would like, etc.
I realize this is a personal decision, and that was mine.
I bought for my parents and my nephew, and that was is. I spoke to my brother and his wife, and my sister, about us not exchanging gifts. It was MUCH better too. No stress on gifts, trying to find something they would like, etc.
I realize this is a personal decision, and that was mine.
My kids aren't kids anymore either, but with the economy the way it is, they both have a hard time raising THEIR kids, so we give them money. Both of their birthdays are in January, so they usually get $200 for Christmas and $100 for birthday.
We don't get to spend a lot of time with our grandkids so it's really hard to buy for them; therefore, they now get money also.
I would like to relate what happened a few years ago with one of my grand sons -- I *had* spent a considerable amount of $ on gifts for him that year (all things he'd asked for) and when we opened our gifts, he sat on the floor and just ripped the paper off all his gifts and didn't even look at the gift. He simply threw it aside and grabbed the next gift. When he got all finished, he sat there, looked around and said "IS THAT *ALL*"........then he got up and walked away from them, without even looking at or playing with the gifts. He was 6 at the time and even though that's a young age, I felt that he should be taught to appreciate what's given to him. That was the last year I bought him a large amount of gifts. Now they prefer to go buy their own anyway.
Our local grocery store has grocery bags that you can buy, they are put into a huge box and just before Christmas the food is distributed to those who need it. The store begins this around the first of Nov and distributes for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, so every time we go into the store, we buy a bag - they cost $7-$9.
I think love and fellowship are more important than presents, but if you can afford to spend a lot of money -- that's a personal decision.
We don't get to spend a lot of time with our grandkids so it's really hard to buy for them; therefore, they now get money also.
I would like to relate what happened a few years ago with one of my grand sons -- I *had* spent a considerable amount of $ on gifts for him that year (all things he'd asked for) and when we opened our gifts, he sat on the floor and just ripped the paper off all his gifts and didn't even look at the gift. He simply threw it aside and grabbed the next gift. When he got all finished, he sat there, looked around and said "IS THAT *ALL*"........then he got up and walked away from them, without even looking at or playing with the gifts. He was 6 at the time and even though that's a young age, I felt that he should be taught to appreciate what's given to him. That was the last year I bought him a large amount of gifts. Now they prefer to go buy their own anyway.
Our local grocery store has grocery bags that you can buy, they are put into a huge box and just before Christmas the food is distributed to those who need it. The store begins this around the first of Nov and distributes for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, so every time we go into the store, we buy a bag - they cost $7-$9.
I think love and fellowship are more important than presents, but if you can afford to spend a lot of money -- that's a personal decision.
My kids aren't kids any more,but I used to spend about $200 on each of them ,Now I get them a $50 gift voucher,They don't really need much,I spent $200 on my grandson.I actually spent more on groceries for my church to make up hampers for people whose children were in intensive care at the local hospital,as at this time shopping would be the last thing on their minds.
Don't have time to read all the posts here, but I will....but I really like your idea April...that is definitely something I will do next year, every toy for tots I know is done already unless I may look a little more into it for this year!....have my daughter pick out something for someone else...that is a beautiful idea!
I spend around 500 dollars or more....or less...not too sure...I only have one child and I will spoil her on Christmas...if I have it, she gets it. As she gets older things will change with responsibilities, respect and stuff but as for now, (she is 4) I want it to be the most magical day of the year!
I spend around 500 dollars or more....or less...not too sure...I only have one child and I will spoil her on Christmas...if I have it, she gets it. As she gets older things will change with responsibilities, respect and stuff but as for now, (she is 4) I want it to be the most magical day of the year!
Every year it varies by what we can afford + I try to start buying things on sale staring in July! We just do home baked cookies for the teachers .. it gets to be too expensive otherwise.
Very informative. When my non-Christian inlaws came to this country, 75 years ago, they started celebrating Christmas along with their neighbors, and always carried on the tradition.
In Rome, the Winter Solstice was celebrated many years before the birth of Christ. The Romans called their winter holiday Saturnalia, honoring Saturn, the God of Agriculture. In January, they observed the Kalends of January, which represented the triumph of life over death. This whole season was called Dies Natalis Invicti Solis, the Birthday of the Unconquered Sun. The festival season was marked by much merrymaking. It is in ancient Rome that the tradition of the Mummers was born. The Mummers were groups of costumed singers and dancers who traveled from house to house entertaining their neighbors. From this, the Christmas tradition of caroling was born.
In northern Europe, many other traditions that we now consider part of Christian worship were begun long before the participants had ever heard of Christ. The pagans of northern Europe celebrated the their own winter solstice, known as Yule. Yule was symbolic of the pagan Sun God, Mithras, being born, and was observed on the shortest day of the year. As the Sun God grew and matured, the days became longer and warmer. It was customary to light a candle to encourage Mithras, and the sun, to reappear next year.
Huge Yule logs were burned in honor of the sun. The word Yule itself means “wheel,” the wheel being a pagan symbol for the sun. Mistletoe was considered a sacred plant, and the custom of kissing under the mistletoe began as a fertility ritual. Hollyberries were thought to be a food of the gods.
The tree is the one symbol that unites almost all the northern European winter solstices. Live evergreen trees were often brought into homes during the harsh winters as a reminder to inhabitants that soon their crops would grow again. Evergreen boughs were sometimes carried as totems of good luck and were often present at weddings, representing fertility. The Druids used the tree as a religious symbol, holding their sacred ceremonies while surrounding and worshipping huge trees.
In 350, Pope Julius I declared that Christ’s birth would be celebrated on December 25. There is little doubt that he was trying to make it as painless as possible for pagan Romans (who remained a majority at that time) to convert to Christianity. The new religion went down a bit easier, knowing that their feasts would not be taken away from them.
Christmas (Christ-Mass) as we know it today, most historians agree, began in Germany, though Catholics and Lutherans still disagree about which church celebrated it first. The earliest record of an evergreen being decorated in a Christian celebration was in 1521 in the Alsace region of Germany. A prominent Lutheran minister of the day cried blasphemy: “Better that they should look to the true tree of life, Christ.”
so christmas was celebrated prior to jesus' birth.
constantine was a smart man. in order to keep everyone happy he united christians and pagans. he combined the birth of christ and the winter solsitce into one day so pagans could have their holiday and christians could have theirs...
In northern Europe, many other traditions that we now consider part of Christian worship were begun long before the participants had ever heard of Christ. The pagans of northern Europe celebrated the their own winter solstice, known as Yule. Yule was symbolic of the pagan Sun God, Mithras, being born, and was observed on the shortest day of the year. As the Sun God grew and matured, the days became longer and warmer. It was customary to light a candle to encourage Mithras, and the sun, to reappear next year.
Huge Yule logs were burned in honor of the sun. The word Yule itself means “wheel,” the wheel being a pagan symbol for the sun. Mistletoe was considered a sacred plant, and the custom of kissing under the mistletoe began as a fertility ritual. Hollyberries were thought to be a food of the gods.
The tree is the one symbol that unites almost all the northern European winter solstices. Live evergreen trees were often brought into homes during the harsh winters as a reminder to inhabitants that soon their crops would grow again. Evergreen boughs were sometimes carried as totems of good luck and were often present at weddings, representing fertility. The Druids used the tree as a religious symbol, holding their sacred ceremonies while surrounding and worshipping huge trees.
In 350, Pope Julius I declared that Christ’s birth would be celebrated on December 25. There is little doubt that he was trying to make it as painless as possible for pagan Romans (who remained a majority at that time) to convert to Christianity. The new religion went down a bit easier, knowing that their feasts would not be taken away from them.
Christmas (Christ-Mass) as we know it today, most historians agree, began in Germany, though Catholics and Lutherans still disagree about which church celebrated it first. The earliest record of an evergreen being decorated in a Christian celebration was in 1521 in the Alsace region of Germany. A prominent Lutheran minister of the day cried blasphemy: “Better that they should look to the true tree of life, Christ.”
so christmas was celebrated prior to jesus' birth.
constantine was a smart man. in order to keep everyone happy he united christians and pagans. he combined the birth of christ and the winter solsitce into one day so pagans could have their holiday and christians could have theirs...
Well, I won't argue about it on someone else's post when we strayed from the original post but I have to respectfully disagree. Christmas is Christ Mass, a mass for Christ. There's always pagan roots to everything, I guess but the original meaning of Christmas was indeed to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. And with that I'll respectfully close. :)
actually both holidays also have pagan ties. christianity is NOT the only reason people celebrate the holidays...
It's the truth.
very well said
Christmas was and still is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
And Easter is the celebration of the risen Christ. That's what the true meanings are behind those holidays.
And Easter is the celebration of the risen Christ. That's what the true meanings are behind those holidays.
hmmmmm.....i am not going to go ant future with this : )
not everyone believes "jesus is the reason for the season".
my husband and in laws are NOT religious. far from it. when i do get the chance to go to church (which with 2 toddlers doesn't happen all that often...) he doesn't go. he does make exceptions for holidays just to make me happy.
we enjoy "going all out". we love the decorations, the lights and of course the presents. for him and his family they use christmas and other holidays as an excuse to make huge dinners and get together. (yes they celebrate easter but not the religious aspect. they do the candy and easter egg hunts...)
my husband and in laws are NOT religious. far from it. when i do get the chance to go to church (which with 2 toddlers doesn't happen all that often...) he doesn't go. he does make exceptions for holidays just to make me happy.
we enjoy "going all out". we love the decorations, the lights and of course the presents. for him and his family they use christmas and other holidays as an excuse to make huge dinners and get together. (yes they celebrate easter but not the religious aspect. they do the candy and easter egg hunts...)
i think it depends on your income and how many kids you have....I do not think you should "go all out" just because its Christmas....the most important gift to give is to remind that...."Jesus is the reason for the season" not wal-mart!!
Good post!!
Good post!!
I agree with April's idea. I think it's ok to buy for your kids, what you can afford, but they should learn to appreciate what they have and learn compassion for what others don't have. Teaching children compassion and awareness can be one of the greatest gifts and they will always carry it with them.
I would only add the following. Children get stuff from their parents, both sets of grandparents, and if mom and dad are divorced they get double stuff there too. Personally I think it is all way outta hand. No wonder people are so stressed during the holidays.
I think it depends on ones income or ability to spend. No one should ever go in debt over Christmas. As children get older, stuff for their age group tends to get more expensive. I always loved it when mine were small, it was much cheaper and you get more for the money. 16 year olds are tuff. I have also come to realize tht if you start spending big when they are young, they expect the bigger more pricey stuff each year. The amount of money you spend tho should be agreed upon by both parents. Just to keep the peace the rest of the year. lol
I love your answer i thought about writing that but was afraid someone may not like the idea, i try to help someone a little each year the town i live near has a lot of low income older shut ins that i think a gift would brighten their Xmas also i try every year to do a little something for someone, and i feel good about it, but i never let the person know that it was me silly i guess, but that is the way i am jo
Swampy's income varies from year to year, as does the kids he buys for. Usually, though, he tries to give a few high thought gifts rather than many smaller ones or impulse buys. As an example, his niece is going to get alphabet blocks, and a high chair to use at her grandmother's. Swampy is also thinking of a fun "California" gift would be matching tie dyes for his SIL and niece.
There will be candy, cheese, olive oil, and coffee for the adults to share.
There will be candy, cheese, olive oil, and coffee for the adults to share.
Another idea is to skim back a little on the money you spend on your own kids and have them each pick out a present for a needy child. Kids love to do this and it would teach them such an important lesson on giving and thinking of others. There are so many organizations but one I can think of off hand is the Angle Tree. Most malls have one of these with paper ornaments hanging on them with the child's name, age and what they'd like for Christmas. You pick an ornament, go buy the present and bring it back. These children have one or both parents incarcerated and need to feel normal and cared about. Just something to think about.
I don't have kids, but I'm sure that if I ever do (which I hope happens), they will be spoiled!
In the meantime, I am participating this year in a charity that assigns "Secret Santas" to children with Lyme disease, which I have. So I'm getting some good spoiling practice this season.
My parents got us a lot of gifts when I was young, but by the time I was 10 or so, they decided that they were "done" with big Christmas gifts. I am the youngest, so I think I suffered the most from their fizzling out. Maybe that premature cut-off is why I'm so gaga for gifts.
In the meantime, I am participating this year in a charity that assigns "Secret Santas" to children with Lyme disease, which I have. So I'm getting some good spoiling practice this season.
My parents got us a lot of gifts when I was young, but by the time I was 10 or so, they decided that they were "done" with big Christmas gifts. I am the youngest, so I think I suffered the most from their fizzling out. Maybe that premature cut-off is why I'm so gaga for gifts.
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