Presents under the tree does it make you feel sickend

[5490t]

Just done our yearly tradition of putting the presents under the tree ready(Santa brings our stockings )
As always we said we weren't going mad! but I think roughly we've spent £1000 for me husband and 2 kids 9 and 12 I actually feel sickened trying to think what we've got for each other
Is anyone else feeling like this?

my entire Christmas, presents, food and drink has cost £600 and I am shocked at how expensive it has become. That is food for 3 of us for 3 days plus a couple of guests and gifts for immedate family of 3 and a few good friends. Even if I could spare a grand just for gifts I would not do it as it is not necessary, will they even remember what they got this time next year?

I actually dont think that's ridiculous if there is any tech (tablets, consoles, phones) in the given the ages. We've had a cheap one as kids are 3 and 6, no consoles, 1 bike, less than £500 all in i think. And no, I dont feel remotely sickened at the pile, as it's mainly little things theyll play with together.

You can think about it for next year and what you’ll do differently. This year I only bought things like clothes books and some art. I will use everything that I’ve bought. For 2026 I’ll try not to buy anything that I don’t need throughout the year and hopefully I’ll put money away to buy it all at Christmas instead.

That's a lot. Just, why?

Nope, don’t get that feeling. We’ve saved throughout the year for Christmas, so spend it.

We don’t have foreign holidays at multiple thousands, so I have no problem with spending what’s been set aside.

I see the OP hasn’t been back.

Why on earth would you feel uncomfortable unless you’ve stolen the money, put it all on credit you can’t afford or beggared yourself.

Also it’s quite easy to spend a chunk and not be buying zillions of things or the infamous MN tat. Eg. DD2 is getting a Toniebox (£90 plus £30-£40 for a few Tonies) and a Gabby’s Dollhouse (£80) so that’s £210 already before any other gifts and stockings and it’s hardly mounds of stuff.

Why buy so much if you don't want it?

Same here. We save all year, stick to a budget and don't go mad buying for adults. I feel guilty that we haven't given more to charity this year but it won't stop me enjoying Christmas with my kids

Nope. I’ve gone fucking nuts and I don’t care. I work hard, save hard, have done my bit for charity. I hope my kids will love their many presents and I’ll enjoy every minute of them unwrapping them.

And if it makes you feel better, OP, we’ve probably spent £400-500 on each DC and maybe £250 on each other. So don’t worry about it, enjoy your day!

‘A lot’ is subjective. It’s not a lot at all imo.

Why? It’s Christmas. Why not? It’s nice to give and receive gifts. Etc

Totally agree.

No, it doesn’t make me feel sickened. We have a huge pile of presents (4 kids, who all buy for each other!) but they are nearly all low value things that they will all like. A present from under the tree could be a cup of pick & mix or a Pandora charm or a pair of socks, and the kids all seem delighted with whatever they unwrap!

I'm not fond of "over indulgence". My children are adult now and I spend more thought on the stocking fillers than anything and they are the same. We have been a very low income family in the past (stocking fillers from Poundland being all I could afford that year) so there is something within me that really kicks back against the gluttony.
We focus instead on the time together (yes, really!) because there were many years of shared parenting when we didn't see each other on the day. We also donate to charity (cheesy but does good and feels good).
Money is not the best way to express love, in my experience. I wonder what motivates OP and others to spend so much and then regret it. (Of course, if you can afford it and have no regrets then that is different).

Not in the slightest, but I haven't spent that much.
I've got ds mostly things he needs, plus an experience. The thing that could possibly be called frivolous, cost less than £200. I love my ds, he worked hard in his mocks. I hope he likes it.😊

Yup

I don't care how others do Christmas. However, if it sickens you, don't buy as much next year?

Never mind actually, OP isn't coming back

I've spent over £1200 on dp. And ds25 and ds20. The gifts are spilling out over the floor. I work hard for that money and enjoy spending it on my family. No guilt here.

I just feel excited and proud. We work hard and want to give our DC an amazing christmas. Its all stuff that is good quality and will last for years. Hopefully when we are done with the toys we can store some and sell/donate the rest.

I absolutely don’t feel sickened. How much I’ve spent is irrelevant. Every gift has thought and love. Whether I’ve spent £50 or £500 per person just depends on my spendable cash. I just hope my family enjoy what I chose for them.

Nope I have 4 older dc and five grandchildren and I think I’ve probably spent about 1500 on them all.

i don’t have anyone else in my life to spend on my younger 2 dc as being a lone parent whose dh and parents are no longer with us and no other family I’ve over compensated probably.

I’ve saved all year and go without so I can buy them things they both want and need, none of them get much from me throughout the year including birthdays.. my older two in their twenties have really good jobs and partners so they’ve had some presents and money but time with them is important to me.

so definitely not I don’t feel sickened.

You could buy yourself something nice. Or even ask if one of your friends could "surprise" you - ask in November next year so they have plenty of time, transfer them some money and ask them to wrap it. Does your father just not think of buying you a present or is he not able?