I'll take that invite. Yes, my kids had fun, but Ruby did in fact have to be asked to take a break from playing with her fabulous toys to come back to the living room to open more fabulous toys. And Ruby did enjoy herself and shows no serious side effects as of yet. But that's only because she's been inoculated for just such an event. She's developed an exceptionally high tolerance for toys by being given way, way too many her entire life! The same amount of toys is reported to have killed a Guatemalan family of 6.
Here's a few reason's not to go overboard on the gift giving:
-it spoils children and sets their expectations too high---it's hard to be grateful for little things, when you're used to having everything
-it teaches kids that Chirstmas is all about getting, instead of giving.
-it's a waste of hard earned money that your husbands worked long hours for, and you didn't like how many long hours your husband worked, but how can he ever stop working those long hours when you spend so much money on Christmas! I also bought a car.
-it's just more stuff that you don't have room to store, so you have to spend hours going through the old stuff, which isn't old at all--you just bought it a year ago, but you have to throw it out anyway and thus shall the earth be destroyed as well as our finances.
I think the key is balance. Perhaps 1 or 2 nice gifts the child asked for, a stocking full of goodies and small stuff, and a large family gift (something fun for everyone to do together, like a bowling alley). If it weren't for Jill, Christmas in our home would definitely be missing some magic. And magic is good...in moderation.
Jason
On Dec 30, 2007, at 7:06 PM, Errol Bagley wrote:
Good points. I didn't assume I was right on this subject although I may be. Lets hear more. Dad
From: Jill Bagley <jillbagley@mac.com>
To: eebagley@gmail.com
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Subject: Re:
Date: Sat, 29 Dec 2007 22:55:19 -0800
might i say in our defense as parents who bought too much stuff-------last year we only bought ruby and Ezra one gift from santa, one gift from mom and dad, and one from their grandparents.our christmas was very minimal.and afterwards it was very lame. there was not much to do-----ruby got a little bored with her gift. and i personally felt that it was less magical.when your kids have lots of presents that they are excited about its like going to disneyland. its exciting , and fun and it gives them a lot to do that day.to get it straight, jason reported that our kids got too much stuff and they were bored---that is not true!! its all lies!!! Jason was disgusted with how much stuff we got them, but in truth, ruby was loving it.Ezra didnt want to open presents because he doesnt know how----he is still too young.but ruby loved everything she got, was grateful and excited. and jason made the kids stop opening presents because he personally felt that they had enough. and admittedly, they did have enough.there are at least two good legitimate reasons to buy your kids lots of presents at christmas.the number one reason for me is because it is so magical. and they have lots of interesting things to do that day.the second reason is because it gives me an excuse to throw out all the old stuff.the other reasons for getting lots of stuff on christmas:-everything is on sale and readily in your face when you go shopping.its easier to buy toys at this time of year than other times.--its fun--why wouldnt you want lots of entertainment for your kids? its better than tv!!!it shouldnt be such a mystery----and it shouldnt seem so selfish to all of you old humbugs out there.its fun for the parents, its fun for the kids.when picking which party you want to go to----dont you always pick the one that will provide the most fun?you dont want to go to a party that is unexciting.i know, its a lame analogy, but that is my defense.so there.--JillOn Dec 29, 2007, at 1:55 PM, Errol Bagley wrote:
Thank you--Thank you-- Thank you for my large flat screen monitor. It is 30% larger to look at and takes 80% less desk space.We are still enjoying the holiday season with family and grandchildren. Our Pine house has been used regularly with a little snow still under the trees and fires in both fireplaces.From what I witnessed and what was reported my pre-Christmas suggestion of several meaningfull gifts to children was universally ignored. Elaine has ignored it for forty years so my expectations were not really high on this one. I will say Sam exibited the same excitment on gift twelve as he did on gift one. Jason reported that his children lost interest after a while and had to be encoraged to came back and finish opening thier presents. I'm thinking of commissioning a study on parents to see if we can figure out what the hell is wrong with them on this Christmas thing.That aside, we are most gratefull for all of our children and grandchidren and the peace and prosperity that we live in. Sometime people ask me how I am doing and I often reply " Better than I deserve"Love Dad.
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