Okay, after evaluating my Christmas list for this year one thing became patently clear - my girls are spoiled. I mean, they are literally getting everything on their lists - and then some. Pretty much every toy commercial in their age range that comes on the TV, they're getting it. Maybe not from us but from their grandparents, aunts, uncles... Digital camera? check. That karaoke thing that lets them watch themselves dance and sing on TV? check. Dora scooter? check.
I even had a budget (which I only went over by a teeny, tiny bit). I don't know why I go overboard...well, yes I do. It's a combination of Christmas spirit, shopping joy and a smidge of guilt thrown in. In my heart I know it truly doesn't matter to them what they get for Christmas (at the moment anyway. They're five and two after all). They still find so much excitement just from unwrapping those brightly papered packages.
But it matters to me. The problem is I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing. I mean it isn't like I neglect them (although, I'm certain I'm not alone in the feeling that I could be a better mother - not lose my temper, spend more time with them).
It's about pleasing them. Seeing that smile in their eyes when they open that one thing they really wanted (or in our case five things). Growing up there were years I was disappointed and there were years I was so surprised and excited. I can't help but want only the excitement for my girls.
I suppose that's normal. However, I'm not sure it's good for them. Having some disappointments in life make you better appreciate the surprises when they come.
Okay, my New Year's resolution (yep, making one already) will be not to go overboard next Christmas. Let's see how long this one lasts.
Instigator
P.S. from the Playground Monitor
Congratulations to newbie commenters Amy S, Cathie and Snowflake! You've each won a copy of NASCAR HOLIDAY and welcome to the Playground. We hope you'll visit again and often.
Congratulations as well to Joan, readingissomuchfun (Linda H) and RobynL for referring your friends to the Playground. Joan and Linda H each win a copy of Roxanne St. Claire's KILLER CURVES, which she referred to in her comments. Trust me -- it's H-O-T! Robyn wins a copy of Debra Webb's A COLBY CHRISTMAS, the 25th book in her award-winning Colby Agency series. And Santa is sending some racing-themed goodies to them too for spending the time to promote the Playground blog.
All of you need to send the Playground Monitor your name and snail mail address to claim your prizes.
17 comments:
WoW thanks so much. I just emailed PGmonitor for my prize claim :)
Congrad's to the other winners as well YaY!
What a post Instigator *G* Right now I don't have kids but I hear it all the time from family & friends. My kids are so spoiled *G* My mom use to say that to us as well. You's are so spoiled.
So far I did some xmas shopping not exactly done yet though. You sound like a wonderful mother who just wants to keep a smile on her daughter's faces. Nothing wrong with that but sometimes you can't go over board. It's nice to get them what they want but then they will keep getting spoiled and expect it all the time. Ok don't take any advice from me I don't have any kids yet but two nephews *G* yes they are both spoiled.
Happy Holidays To You All :-)
Hugssss
Linda.H.
Instigator, I don't see anything wrong with getting your girls what they want as long as it's within your budget and fits their age range. There have been times that we decided not to get something for our kids, something they really wanted, because they wouldn't be able to handle it. You are a better judge of your children, and what they can and can't do. Don't feel bad about the decisions you make.
I tell myself every year...'next year I'm not over spending', 'next year I'll start shopping earlier', next year...the list goes on. Let's face it. We get a lot of joy making our loved ones smile. Hey, it's better to get them exactly what they want then to see the disappointment on their faces when they receive the album from the sale bin, by the right artist, but not containing the hit songs desired. Oh...I digress. Memories. Sigh.
(My kids will never suffer the same fate.)
Kathy
It's when you go into debt and then fight over the credit card payments from January to April that's a problem.
Sometimes kids do get immune to the real meaning of Christmas and the value of toys when they get so many. Maybe you could parcel them out so they don't get them all at once -- the Twelve Days of Santa perhaps?
Melinda
I don't think you're kids are spoiled, Instigator. I've seen Christmas mornings of truly spoiled children and it is really disgusting. My mother's friend spent $1000 on her son for his first Christmas. He was 2 months old. It just progressed from there.
I think getting your kids what they ask for, if you can afford to do it, is good. My mom tried her hardest, and I never suffered by any means, but that was the result of the KMart Layaway program. If/when I have kids, I hope to be able to get them everything they need and most of the things they want, within reason, always instilling in them the importance of giving back, donating toys, etc.
SP
Darlin' Grandbaby is 6 months old and won't really have a clue about Christmas this year but darned if I don't want to buy her everything in sight. Multiply that by all the grandparents (she has 2 grandmas, a step-grandma and 3 great-grandmas) and it could get exciting. :grin:
So I'm reeling it in this year and saving up for next year when she'll know what it's all about. But she's still gonna have a pile of presents under the tree from Grammy and Papa.
And Instigator... I've been around your girls and they don't act like spoiled brats so not to worry. They're well-behaved, bright and cute as buttons!
PM
Congratulations winners!
I'd love to stay and chat but I'm sick. Gawd, I feel like I'm dying!
wtg linda cya later lol
AC is 5, so we're right in the wonder years right now when it comes to Santa. She's so excited, and managed to screw up the courage to actually talk to him this year. So, yes, I've probably bought more than I should.
But I can still pay the house payment, so I'm okay, right?
There is something special about watching everyone, especially children, open their gifts!
Lee
:)
I think that everybody goes overboard at Christmas especially if you have Kids.
Congratulations to all the winners!!!
Happy Holidays!!
Congratulations joan
Congratulations to the winners and thanks so much for my prize; I'm looking forward to receiving it.
I usually try to limit myself to 3 presents per child with as many stocking stuffers as I can get in there. :) This year I did go a little overboard with 6. *shrugs*
The nice thing is that I have plenty of grandparents and great-grandparents I can parcel the "wants" list out to, so they usually end up getting most of what they TRULY want. Not the want, want, want from every commercial they see. :)
I'm really excited about Christmas this year. I have a feeling it is gonna be a good one.
Angel
Congratulations ladies!!
Hope you feel better, Mel.
Well, I guess it just depends on how you do it. I don't have kids, but looking back at my kidhood, I remember a lot of toys under the tree, but that was when the bonus check came in, and during the year we certainly didn't get everything we wanted. Nowadays, we get plenty of what we want and need during the year so we just get small things during Christmas.
I think the problem with truly spoiled kids today is so many get what they want during the year and then get what they want for Christmas, there is no surprise, no sentimentality, and everyone gets bored the moment they get it. It's very sad really seeing those types.
Lois
Congrats to all the winners. Enjoy your prizes.
Congrats to all the winners!
Big Hugs, Mel!
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