In my family, Christmas is a grand affair, and I have no regrets about it. Last year, my brother-in-law shared a picture on social media showcasing the mountain of gifts piled under his tree, and it sparked a flurry of reactions. The comments ranged from “wow” to “holy cow,” highlighting just how overwhelming our Christmas celebrations can seem to outsiders.
I get it—seeing that many presents can be shocking, even for us! I found myself wanting to defend our traditions. After all, these gifts were for seven people, and many were thoughtful hand-me-downs from my sister’s older children that she had wrapped just for fun. Yet, despite my explanations, I couldn’t shake the feeling that others might judge us for our “over-the-top” holiday spirit. This year, I promised myself I would rein it in.
Fast forward to mid-December, and my closet resembles an obstacle course worthy of an action movie. I keep going back to my list, hoping to find something to return. (Yes, I have an Excel spreadsheet; I know, I know.) But how could I choose? I know my kids will treasure each toy, from dolls to science kits. They are genuinely grateful kids, and that matters.
When I mentioned my concerns about being materialistic to my husband, he quickly pointed out that we’re not. Our “spoiling” only happens at Christmas. Throughout the year, we don’t buy random toys on a whim and keep birthday gifts minimal in lieu of family experiences. We emphasize the true essence of Christmas: love, gratitude, and family. We talk about the varying lifestyles around the world and why it’s essential to give back. In fact, we regularly donate both money and items to charity and prioritize spending time with loved ones.
My husband cherishes the memories our children will have of Christmas mornings filled with excitement, just as I do. I fondly remember my own childhood Christmases, with wrapping paper flying and the thrill of believing in Santa, who magically appeared, leaving a treasure trove of gifts. Those memories are invaluable, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
So why do I still feel guilty about the pile of toys? If I’m honest, much of my guilt stems from worrying about what others think. If nobody knew about our Christmas stash, I would feel no shame at all. Social media is rife with parents boasting about their minimalist approaches, with some scolding those of us who choose to indulge. But here’s the truth: how families decide to celebrate the holidays is a personal choice and shouldn’t be subject to scrutiny.
Families like mine, who embrace large Christmas celebrations, aren’t “wrong.” We simply have our cherished traditions, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a mountain of presents to wrap up.
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Summary
In my family, Christmas is celebrated on a grand scale, and I embrace it wholeheartedly despite feeling judged at times. My children are grateful for the gifts they receive, and we focus on teaching them the true meaning of Christmas. Ultimately, how we choose to celebrate should not be up for judgment; it’s our tradition, and we love it.
Keyphrase: Big Christmas Celebrations
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