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Original poster

To not be present obsessed at xmas

52 replies

Battenbergcoconutice · 12/11/2024 23:08

I keep seeing thread after thread about "how much do you spend on Xmas presents for your children" or discussing the vital importance of getting gifts right. Why is everyone so obsessed with presents at Xmas? Am I the only one who thinks the magic of Christmas is being with people you love, the atmosphere, decorations good food etc? You can do so much with stockings for children on a budget, or what's wrong with everyone home makes a present family gifts??? Ergh the materialism of Xmas gets worse year on year. I can't be alone in thinking this. Saw a thread where the OP said parents spent 1k plus on gifts PER CHILD and had 100+ presents each. Mums then reaponding feeling guilty they aren't doing enough. Want to bash my head against a brick wall...

OP posts:
Kitkatcatflap · 12/11/2024 23:30

I hate these sort of 'puffed up' pigeon posts. Christmas isn't compulsory - you have found a way that works for you but that doesn't give you the moral high ground to judge how others spend (on) theirs.

Rainbowdottie · 12/11/2024 23:24

I wouldnt never tell anyone, even my family what I spend on my kids (now grown up). Some years it's been more, other times it's been less. Whatever the amount is, is my business and not open for discussion. I've never understood why parents share their budgets.

As for actual presents, "you do you" is what I'd say to anyone. I don't really care how you spend your christmas and how many presents you buy each other, as long as everyone is happy. I don't think people should go into debt for Christmas though.

Everyone's version of christmas will be different. You mention in yours as an example of "good food ". Another family will put that's not important to them and nor can they afford it. You've put about "homemade gifts", some people wouldn't know where to start or how to even store it. I'm not purposely picking apart your post, it's just examples that everyone's christmas will be different. Some people live in terrible conditions and find christmas really hard ..others are very extravagant and it's a non stop celebratory period for them.

As I say "you do you". As long as you've had a great christmas and spent it how you would like, I wouldnt overthink anyone's else's 🎄