a simplified christmas

**dndylfe** · 12-05-2005, 11:52 PM

I was wondering if anyone else was attempting a simplified Christmas with kids.

When we bought our son's Christmas present I said, no sounds on it and definitely NO BATTERIES!!! Just plain old trucks. But my goodness, it's hard to find toys that aren't all fancy electronic things.

And when we were at the toy store, I was aghast at how many people had carts piled high with toys. Even the game and two trucks we bought for our two year old I worried were too much; especially when combined with gifts from grandparents. But we listened to some frazzled parents debate presents and we just couldn't believe it. I was so relieved that our little boy can still be ecstatic over one firetruck.

**Renee-2kids** · 12-06-2005, 12:13 AM

I got a couple stocking stuffers new. The other gifts we got my kids (age one and 2) are from yard sales. The are only getting a few things at that. I'm still worried about the grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, great-aunts, and cousins toys. I'm not kidding. I want to spread it out over a few months so the 2 year old is not overwhelmed. Instead it will be spread out over a week.

**bamamomto4** · 12-07-2005, 03:31 PM

We dont see much of our family,normally just Steves aunt,and her two grown kids with kids of their own.Steves dad and step mom usually get them clothes.Most of what my kids get for Christmas is what we buy them.
Every year I say I'm not spending as much as last year,and every year I spend more.

**hollyhill** · 12-07-2005, 03:47 PM

Two year olds don't need much for Christmas. And babies are thrilled with the wrapping! I agree keep it simple and the standards you set now will help when they get older and begin to expect things.
When my children were babies we bought very little for them and then when they were old enough to anticipate Christmas we kept the number to 3 gifts plus stocking stuffers. And several of the gifts were Useful (not toys). So I guess we have always had simplified Christmases.
This year I am hoping to give them 3 gifts each plus stockings (like always) but I am not sure if I can.
For my eldest I have some camping dishes and used books for her stocking, and so far I only have some special treats for the younger two, and stickers for my 8 year old.
I am hoping to buy some CD's of the purcell string quartet for my son (they feature his old Cello teacher) and a bike helmut (which he needs!). My youngest needs a violin case because hers are ancient and disintigrating and she is very embarrassed of it, but I don't think I will be able to manage that. Eldest needs socks and warm riding gloves.
As far as toys go we will just see what I can manage.

So yes, we have always had "simple Christmases", especially for the under 3 set.

**Jasmine** · 12-08-2005, 01:15 AM

We're doing a somewhat simple Christmas this year. DD isn't getting anything from us that takes batteries. I've been wanting to get her a kitchen set and an easel so we got her both. We did spend a little more than budgeted but figured these are things all our future kids will use. I also picked up some board games when Toys R Us had BOGOF. These are classics that will last forever too. Some will be for Christmas, the others will be for her birthday. We told the grandparents to go easy, that she really doesn't need anything else. If they want to buy, get classics that will last and be used by our other future children.

**Scattymum** · 12-08-2005, 02:53 PM

well, last year was extremely simple for Jamie ( he was 15 months then), I got a big cardboard box and filled it with wooden spoons and tupperware containers that i had put rice and beans into and then sealed. I got him one outfit as well. - I'm sure people thought I was been really mean but he didnt play with toys - still doesnt and I figured there was no point wasting money on gifts that would go unused just to make other people feel better. He got so much entertainment from the box and noisemakers - as did his then 5 year old sister!!

. This year he is getting a little cleaning trolley from santa and a megasketcher thingie from us. he will probably still have much more fun playing with boxes and wrapping and trying climb the christmas tree.

I tried to keep it simple for Ciara this year but we have gone abit over budget - I cant resist buying her books! - I think I am going to put some of the stuff aside until her birthday in April - like her brother she will get more fun out of playing with the boxes and wrapping

**Jerseygirl** · 12-08-2005, 04:16 PM

Last year the kids(18 mos, 3 and 4) were so overwhelmed on Christmas eve with everything they received at my mother's, I didn't give them what I bought for Christmas. I had them wake up to 3 things each unwrapped under the tree, it was just too nuts the night before. I'm probably doing the same this year.

**Mojjo** · 12-08-2005, 05:14 PM

we don't do too much for the boys since the grandparents go crazy. we spend about $30 each. a couple books and a CD or two.

**favesis37** · 12-09-2005, 07:23 AM

this year will be simple for us compared to past. we have cut down from a coupel of thousand dollars to 2 outfits, 1 toy and then some smlal stuff. i am relaly struggling with this but it is a good thing to do