To feel bad about the small size of our Christmas?

[Elphie54]

This year kind of hit us hard and we are definitely feeling it. Last year I had bought my daughter a tons of gifts, along with several gifts for each member of the family.

This year, I only really got her 4 gifts, none of which were big items. I know her grandparents got her a lot, but I can’t help but feeling a bit like shit because we did not get her much. On top of that, I only get to spend a couple of hours with family today because I works last night and I work again tonight.

I know I shouldn’t feel bad because we did the best we could with what we had, but I feel like it was a disappointing Christmas for her.

How old is your daughter?

You should feel grateful you have a lovely family and you could afford Christmas at all! Also, I assume you are all healthy atm, which is a very big deal! Don't sweat the small stuff, instead, enjoy the company! Merry Christmas 🎄

She had presents.
She is warm, loved, fed and has a roof over her head.
You have nothing to feel bad about.

I am not sure how old your DD is, but mine is 8 and actually feels overwhelmed when she gets too much. Four sounds a perfect amount. Enough for variety but not so much she is overwhelmed.

If she is older, then she is probably proud of you for being able to still provide a Christmas against at the odds. I didn't get lots of presents when I was growing up as my family was poor. But I loved what I got and never felt I was going without. There is a good chance that your DD may have enjoyed it being lower key, or not even noticed.

She is only 21 months. I guess part of me just feels bad because I saw how happy her one gift from grandparents made her. I loved seeing her that happy, but wish our gifts made her that happy too.

I'm going to do a bit more meditation tonight, only on the headspace app for 3 mins at a time but it's surprisingly helpful. I have these thoughts all the time but meditation does give you a little holiday from them, I do recommend it.

She's still a baby - she doesn't need loads of stuff

Well she's not old enough to compare last year to this is she?

You're focusing on quantity over quality. Which should be more important? My ds 2.5 only got 2 gifts because he gets stuff all year round. I dont feel bad one bit. He seemed just as grateful with only 2 to open. We spent the day playing with him and giving him our time which I know means more to him.

She has no idea who bought her what at that age!

My son is almost 2. Couldn't give a monkey's about and of the gifts! Honestly they really don't care at that age. His favorite thing is to tip a tin of sweets everywhere and pick them up again

We have had a much smaller Christmas this year. We're having a really nice, more relaxed day.

I will be honest-how gifts throw year aren’t exactly quality either. Just a small toy kitchen, some coloring books and bath toys.

Just been very strapped financially this year. We moved in the beginning of the year, which wasn’t too expensive since we planned for it. Then our cat got sick. She was only 4, so we did everything we could to save her over the course of 7 months. We spent close to 3,000 USD on care and tests for her. Sadly she passed. Then I got sick for a week and I’m the primary earner so that was a hit. Seems like when it rains it pours.

Oh gosh, she’s not even 2. 4 is more than enough.
When mine was under 2 I think I spent a grand total of £30 on Xmas presents.

A small toy kitchen is a brilliant present for a toddler!

Yabu.

No need to buy lots of "stuff" for little ones.
They usually get more fun from the cardboard box ime.

My 6 year old got 5 gifts - all in all. he was very hsppy. my 22 month old got 5 books, building blocks and 2 small plastic horses. Again very happy. price and quantity of gifts are irrelevant

Think back to when you were little..... I bet you remember the smells or the giggles. And cuddles. Not the presents or the number of them. The first gift I remember was when I was 7 and only because I still have it.

When dd was almost 2 her favourite Christmas present was a big cardboard box filled with balloons and scrunched up paper. That Christmas I think we spent about £40 on her presents.

We had a fab Christmas. We danced to daft Christmas songs, we played with some Nativity blocks and a santa set, read stories, watched crap telly. It was fantastic.

We seem to have this unrealistic expectations that Christmas must be full of rich foods and many parcels. It's crap. We haven't even gotten dressed today (I swapped into Christmas PJ's). We've nibbled nice food and played. That's what dd has loved most. Having mum and dad playing with her all day has been the best thing.

Thank you everyone. This is definitely making me feel a bit better.

Not looking forward to having to leave to go to work again.

My friend who is very well off just rewraps existing toys for his children until they are 3. They don't have a clue.

You bought your 21 months old dd a ton of gifts last Xmas?!! When she was 9 months old?!! What on earth for? I didn't buy any of mine more than a couple of gifts at that age - or at the age your dd is now.

Personally, I loathe Xmas. The idea that people will feel like they have failed if they can't shower their dcs with gifts - whether or not they can afford them - is one of the reasons.

My son is the same age as your child OP. The first present he opened was a wooden puzzle and he ignored all of the other presents from that point onwards. I don't think they care much about presents at this age. I really wouldn't worry.

That’s absolutely fine! My DS is 4 and he’s spent all day telling me how much he loves us and that he’s having a ‘family day’. Of course children love presents but it’s not the most important bit!

Oh for Heaven's sake, she's only a baby. She won't notice, be too busy having fun - and a toy kitchen is great. What a ridiculous thread.