"I have a 19-month-old, so while she isn't fully grasping the concept of presents yet, I don't want her associating Christmas with excess. For context, my in-laws gave the three of us gifts that totaled about $850 to $1,000. My daughter's gifts alone were roughly $200 to $300. That feels like far too much for a toddler. We even felt uncomfortable with them spending that amount on us."
"I totally understand not wanting your daughter to feel like the holidays are about materialistic things, but that might not be the message your in-laws are trying to send. Your in-laws could very well value the idea of giving everything you can to those you love, and this is the only way they know how to show it. So, help them understand how to best show up for you and love you with some ideas for the whole family."
The in-laws gave very expensive gifts totaling about $850–$1,000, including roughly $200–$300 for a 19-month-old, which made the parents uncomfortable. The parents want to teach the child that holidays, Easter, and birthdays are not about excess and plan to set limits next year without discouraging all gift-giving. The husband will help enforce boundaries. The recommended approach is to assume generous intentions, explain how the family prefers to celebrate, offer alternative, family-focused ways to show love, and communicate clear, values-based limits so boundaries feel principled rather than ungrateful.
Read at Slate Magazine
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]