Last Christmas was the first Christmas that Lboy actually “understood” what was happening. He totally got it. And it was fun! I had a blast buying stuff for him & wrapping it & then watching him open it all.
The only problem was, I bought him STUFF aka junk, not a lot of substantial things that he really, really enjoyed and continued to play with after he opened all his presents. There were about 3 or 4 things that he thought were super cool & everything else? Yeah, it has sat in a toy box since last Christmas. It wasn’t his fault, it was mine. I chalk it up as one of the many learning experiences I’ve had to learn since becoming a parent.
After watching that, I decided that for the next time I would focus more on better gifts for him to open, things he actually wants, not just stuff that I can pile up under the tree. I read the saying “Something he needs. Something he wants. Something to read. Something to wear.” And I added “Something Religious.” And I have literally been repeating it to myself for 11 months, it’s been my shopping motto as I have been preparing for Christmas (and I did it for his birthday too at the beginning of the summer.)
My goal this year has been to buy Lboy (and Baby O too, but she’s obviously too little to get it) presents that he will play with over & over again. I don’t want to waste my time shopping & wrapping everything only to watch it all be for nothing. And I don’t want Todd’s hard work wasted by us spending money on things that are going to end up at Goodwill on December 26.
A few months ago, I started buying Christmas presents, just one or two here & there. Having the shopping motto in my “tool belt” helped me plan better, that way, when I saw something that I knew Lboy wanted or needed, I was able to buy it & know for a fact that it wasn’t a wasteful purchase. I’m almost done with the kids’ gifts, next up is Todd & extended family.
Now….anyone have a motto for Christmas shopping for a husband with really, ridiculously expensive taste?!!! 😉
That is awesome! This year for our “something to wear” we are giving warm fuzzy pj’s for them to open on Christmas Eve and sleep in. I have never been into Santa Claus so I fill their stockings with religious gifts, candy, and their favorite fruit.
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I like the fruit idea! Mama always gave us toothbrushes in our stockings. I have no idea why she did it, but because she did I always make sure a toothbrush is in everyone’s stockings.
Santa wasn’t a big deal for us either. We had stockings, but what would typically be a “Santa” gift from most people was a “Jesus” gift at our house. Santa was no big deal.
Love this idea!!
Thanks! Trying to keep it simple, yet eventful around here this year!
Thanks for stopping by!
My first couple Christmases as a mom I bought all sorts of junk for my daughter. Since then I’ve learned. buy one big present for each kid and a few stocking stuffers. That’s it.
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Very cool! We are doing some medium sized gifts that he has pointed out to me about a thousand times saying that he wants them.
I saw this on Pinterest last week, and I’ve been thinking about it a lot. I am doing this for the kids this year as well. Such a good idea. I’m trying to impress upon them the REAL meaning of Christmas and it’s not just about the STUFF. I think we’ll all be happier and not go into debt 😉
And the husband part? Not a clue…but good luck!! I always struggle with my husband’s gifts as well.
xo
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Yes, the REAL meaning of Christmas does tend to get lost in all the junk. Now that I’m a parent, I didn’t realize how hard it would be to maintain the true focus of Christmas as opposed to the material side. We’re trying though!
And the husband….yeah…I’m in the same boat. No clue whatsoever!
Visiting from SITS and I LOVE this idea! I have two daughters and I am guilty of just buying all kinds of stuff to put under the tree. Most of the stuff is still in boxes from LAST Christmas. I’m going to do better with buying gifts that really mean something this year.
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That’s the same goal we have and so far it’s working! As parents, it’s just so much fun to buy them presents, but I want them all to be smart presents.
Thank you so much for stopping by!
This is a great motto to go shopping with…seeing that I have bought zero for Christmas…I need to use this!
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