Competitive Christmas thriftiness on MN

[Imchangingmyname]

Just something I've noticed over the last few weeks on MN.

There seems to be a lot of competitive comments regarding how little you can spend on your kids. Let's be honest here, stuff costs. Whether that's plastic tat for the baby or an iPad for the teenager but mostly: Kids. Expect. Presents. At. Christmas. Don't they?

There's far too much of 'you spend £100 at Christmas!!??? I spend max £10 on little Jimmy and that's more than enough. I also throw in some chestnuts and a clementine on top of that'

Or 'mine is happy with our certificate for adopting a donkey for a year'

Really??! I think the commercialisation of Christmas has gone too far, granted but most kids I know would be upset if they didn't have at least a few presents to open on the day. I've noticed it's mainly from those who have the budget but refuse to spend to..somehow appear holier than thou??

Surely it is more expensive to buy everything a child might conceivably need one year in a short period of time than to spread the cost throughout the year.

Why not? It is a common present to give at Christmas.

It's absolutely about class. Competitive frugality is just another way for the middle classes to assert their superiority over the poor - by asserting their disdain for materialism. They're above all that doncha know.

and I dare say it is less of a big deal for the child for the child who gets countless days out/treats/presents through the year to get a small pile at Christmas.

But for lower income families Christmas is often a very big deal. And I hate the snidey attitude to that.

I know it is I got a bike myself one Christmas. But the time of year means they probably won't get an awful lot of use out of it for a few months.

cleaty

Yep agree

Unlikely - But the point is you don't buy everything, they get less overall. You buy one big present such as a bike, clothes that they need, and then some stocking fillers. If you didn't do that, all you would be giving them would be a few stocking fillers.

I know what you mean OP.

Over the years I have actually read that buying 'too many' presents is a class thing, and chavvy.

They tend to be the posters who moan about family members buying their children unwanted 'plastic tat'.

There is some snobbery on MN regarding what our children should wake up too on Christmas morning.

It is because MC MN doesnt talk about money y'know, it's crass.
So to say you dont spend much is the antidote to the 'piles of presents' on FB only posted by working class cunts.

But those middle class kids get presents throughout the year anyway. So the parents get the chance to feel superior, whilst still buying lots for their kids.

YABU
I like to see the crazy commercialism of Christmas being challenged and think anyone mentioning any amount they are spending is a bit crass
Most people do what they can to make a nice Christmas for their DC whatever that means for them
You don't have to spend £££ to make that happen but obviously it's easier if you have something for extras. Some years some people really don't but they might not want to focus on that.
Our stocking pressies are probably the most important pressies here, and that's little things that are fun that fit in a stocking [santa]
Then a few other pressies especially for DD and DS, books, games, and gadgets
But DS looks forward to lunch more than anything!
MN has been great in helping me find things over the years - I love that part of the MN Christmas spirit, like the bargains thread!
This is a bit of a ramble but I think like a PP I might be a bit guilty as charged - and a coal and satsuma parent - though it would never be coal here - maybe satsuma and sugar mouse is more like it ...
But I'm happy to go for an alternative Christmas where experiences count more than things

've never really understood the bike as a Christmas present.

me neither. Too icy on Christmas Day. So my main present say in the living to, I did really get much else.

Was early Feb before I could take it out. I have hit the kids bikes for birthdays though, summer babies

But cleaty, those with less money would in theory find it easier to spread the costs of present giving throughout the year.

I don't spend more than we can afford and I also don't spend more than I need to, so that will vary every year. What I struggle to understand is when people buy 3/4/5 big ticket items in one go for the same child as it makes me wonder what on earth there will be left to buy next year.

I got a bike for Christmas. Was the only time of year I ever got anything that expensive. Birthdays was a book or something very small.

Interestingly, I often find that the children of the 'big piles of present givers' outgrow toys by eight or nine.

So you think unlikely they should only give their children a stocking of presents say worth £10 for Christmas?

I have found that is utter rubbish Unlikely.

"No. There is something wrong with thinking you are better than everyone else because of it and typing posts to that effect."

Aren't we all trying to be the best parents we can be? So yes, obviously, I think my way is better than your way. That's why it's my way. Applies to everything. If I thought your way was better I'd do it that way.

My two year old will be waking up to an enormous pile of plastic tat.

I got him some wooden tools though, just to be fancy.

But what some people are not understanding is how class impacts on those decisions. Seems easier to sneer, than actually try and understand.

Goodness these kids are spoilt, mine got a piece of string each and spent hours playing Christmas Day... And were soooo grateful.
We had roadkill for Christmas dinner... Lasted all year

Apparently spending £50 on teens can buy a good amount.

I want to know what they buy

There are lots of those toy shops in Hove, especially for the MC wankers.
I so cringe