Pump the breaks already.
I love presents. I love choosing a thoughtful gift, and I love handing it over and seeing somebody’s delighted face. And so it pains me to say that everybody has got to pump the breaks.. On birthdays and Christmas — go for it. I get it! But presents creep into every other holiday on the calendar, and there’s just no reason for it. At this point I am overwhelmed, tired, and broke. So please, can we not make. I am already rolling my eyes as I scroll my way through all the targeted ads.
Halloween has fallen victim to this trend too. My 6-year-old told her that her friend's mom bought her a special trick-or-treat princess flashlight and a brand new sequined ghost dress, then asked what I was planning to get her. And the?! I’m sorry, I’m out. Needless to say my kid was very bummed to find out that her costume, all its accessories, a few pumpkins, and the candy I had to give out were “all” she was getting for this incredibly important holiday.
Now before you come at me and yell about how I should mind my own business and not “yuck on your yum,” let me make something clear: when kids are involved, it kind ofmatter what other people are doing. I can do what I think it right and let you do the same, but when little Sally rides up on her new Valentine’s Day bike, my kid is going to wonder why her mommy and daddy didn’t shower her with all the holiday love. And to be frank, that kind of sucks.
So please, let’s save the gifts for the traditionally gift-centered holidays. Limit Easter Bunny goodies to things that can fit in an average-sized basket and reserve our Valentine gifts for our actual Valentines. Let’s model the fact that holidays can be celebrated in a fun and exciting way without all the consumption and spending.