Guilt over Christmas presents for kids

[LydiaRebecca14]

Just curious...

I have 3 children. I'm a single parent.
Ages 13,12 and 5

When they are small I find it easier as the things we get them (colouring, toys, etc) are cheaper so it looks more doesn't it.....

I've explained to my 2 teenage girls that this year they won't have as much as the things they want are more expensive and I've been honest with them that times are hard and they said they understand.

What do you on average get your children for Christmas? Do you focus on quality over quantity and do you feel guilt and wonder if you've done good enough :(

I know there are people out there who can't afford anything at all and we are fortunate to even have anything x

I have 4 children and a lone parent. I also don’t have any family that buy for them so it’s just me. It’s difficult I won’t lie. I have to rely on credit cards and loans to afford Xmas.

Bless you. I feel your pain. And then were worried for months after paying it off. Things we do for our babies hey! Your not alone xx

I'm a single parent too, so understand, mine understand that I am running life on a sole income and have always had a budget.
I do find the principle of something to wear, something to read, something they want and something they need helps. Also we have had issues before where my son especially wants very expensive gifts, so i've explained that we can club in with other family members or he can save money towards it to.

The other thing i do that has helped is a family presents - so i always get a board game for us all.

Time and presence means more than presents. Just do the best you can

Mine are 13 and 16, they have always had one present from us, one from each other, and a stocking. There was never a pile of presents, but they would also get gifts from their three aunts and their grandparents. So it hasn't reduced as they got older, really. The stuff in the stocking is now a bit more practical, especially for the older one - gloves, PJs etc.