I decided that the kids (and the adults) in my family have way too many things. They all seem to have iPods, gaming systems, TVs, and anything imaginable. My kids are definitely in the mix (excluding the iPods). Back in the day, I could manage to buy everyone Christmas presents. It was just my immediate family (i.e. parents and sisters) and one aunt. We have now grown to:

1. Kids
2. Parents
3. Sisters
4. Two nephews
5. Niece
6. Three cousins
7. Two aunts

One of my nephews and niece are my godchildren, so imagine how much I have to spend. Last year, I finally put my foot down and said that I was going to buy for the kids, but the adults had to do a Secret Santa. It helped to alleviate some of the financial burden that Christmas brings.

This year I tried doing the same, except adding the kids in the mix. I proposed that instead of all the adults individually buying the kids presents, we pitch our money to buy them one, big gift that they will use more than once. My older sister agreed, and we made plans on how to carry out the plan. However, there was one person who was dead set against it: my mom. Without her being part of the plans, it fell apart.

Her excuse is that this is her last Christmas before she goes to Panama, so she wants to go all out. My question to her was, “So does that mean that we all have to resort to doing the same?”

I decided that for my children, I am going to get them one, big gift (Playstation 3 Bundle I got on Black Friday), a book each, clothes (my kids love clothes), and one toy. For the rest of the family, I decided to take advantage of Cyber Mondays and got great deals on their stuff.

I am mad at myself cause I didn’t stick to my guns. I should have said no, but it seemed like there was no point cause my sister caved as well. These kids are now going to get a bunch of stuff on Christmas that they are not going to appreciate. They will use it once and then leave it lying around. I am the one that has to drag all that unwanted stuff to charity.

Definitely for next year, I have to come up with a better approach.  I remember being happy with two or three presents.  Months later, you will still see me using my Christmas presents.  I need to start teaching my children that Christmas is for being with your loved ones, and not what presents you get.