So, I plan early for the holidays and I'm looking to remake my budget and the expectations this year.
We have 4 children and celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah (8 nights), so effectively I have 9 days of gift giving for the children. I've read all the other advice lines on holiday giving and that will work for family/friends/spouse....but most of my children are little. They are used to getting Hanukkah gifts and gifts from santa on xmas morning.
In the past, we did 2 gifts a kid per night of Hanukkah (1 toy and 1 book) which I am thinking we will be cutting down to just 1 item, which I don't think they will notice. I'm having good luck so far sourcing some of this pre-owned (I have an 8year old girl with a Lego affliction $$$$- anyone looking to offload sets your kids are done with are welcome to PM me).
So what do I do for Xmas? They're used to having crazy xmas morning. Granted, I spent a lot less than their peers parents because I keep a list and scout the whole year to secure their gifts, but I'm trying to start tapering down and giving them less. I also have the issue that we want Christmas and Hanukkah to feel relatively equal in "weight".
And yes, yes, I know reasons for the seasons and we do all that. And I know we all have varying judgement on gifting etc, what I'm hoping for is not to devolve into values debates and instead hoping for concrete suggestions from anyone who's willing on how you gift and what you gift for kids? I have the full range too- teenager, grade school, prek and newborn.
Thanks and appreciation for any suggestions!!