This year, I’m taking a stand. I refuse to feel the pressure to create a holiday that’s nothing short of enchanting. No more stress, no more panic, and definitely no more feeling like it’s never enough. I’m serious about this. I’ve been repeating it to myself, sharing my thoughts with the kids, informing the well-meaning salespeople, and even letting my neighbors and friends know I’m changing my approach. The UPS guy has already been warned that there will be fewer deliveries to my home this year. I mean it.
This Christmas, I won’t try to demonstrate my love for my family through an avalanche of gifts. I won’t be swayed by what other parents are buying for their kids either. I’ve been there before, and instead of sharing joy, I ended up overwhelmed and throwing a tantrum myself. It turns out that drowning in presents doesn’t equate to love; it just creates chaos and regret.
That’s why I’m embracing the ‘want-need-wear-read’ gift strategy. Initially, I dismissed this concept when I saw it online, thinking it wouldn’t work in our household. But times change, and I’ve prepped my family for this new direction. When the kids started handing me their wish lists back in September, I made it clear that this year would be unlike any before. They were a bit grumpy about it at first—because, let’s face it, kids can be a handful.
However, as they mulled it over, I noticed they began to truly reflect on what they wanted. My partner and I are happy to splurge on a few meaningful gifts, but we’re steering clear of simply creating a mountain of stuff just for the sake of it. By limiting the number of presents, not only does shopping become less of a chore, but it also allows us to focus on creating special memories with our kids.
If you find yourself swept up in the frenzy of wanting to buy everything for your children, I get it—we all do. It’s a natural impulse, often rooted in nostalgia. But too often, we purchase items our kids don’t even ask for, driven by the need to have a certain number of gifts under the tree.
It’s a challenge, and I’m starting to think that managing our excitement as adults is harder than it is for the kids. But the rewards are worth it. I’ve already finished my shopping (yes, I’m bragging a little), and with the extra time I’ve gained, I’m planning a fun holiday gathering, surprising the kids with a Christmas show, and enjoying quality time baking and relaxing together—activities that bring me far greater joy than rushing around for a few more last-minute gifts to wrap.
And my kids are curious about what I want this year. I told them my list is simple: I want them to behave, not act like little monsters. I need them to show good behavior, and I’ll wear a smile if they do. I also hope to see reports from school reflecting that they are, indeed, behaving like decent human beings.
The ‘want-need-wear-read’ approach truly benefits everyone during the holiday season.
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In summary, the holiday season doesn’t have to be filled with chaos and excess. By focusing on the ‘want-need-wear-read’ philosophy, we can create more meaningful celebrations and foster genuine connections.
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