"My kids enjoy abundant lives, thanks to travel and a variety of activities. They don't need more. I'm focusing on meaningful holiday experiences and teaching my kids that more isn't better. Here's what you won't find in my house at Christmastime: Elf on the Shelf. December goody and craft boxes for the kids. Brand new matching Christmas pajamas. Holiday photo shoots. Forced Christmas card writing. Expensive tickets to line up at a crowded shopping center to see an overrated Santa."
"Not going all out at Christmas is intentional for two reasons. Firstly, I don't want to be that frazzled mom who stretches herself in 20 different directions trying to create a magical Christmas for everyone, decorating the perfect house, and buying every gift on everyone's wish list. I already have a full-time job, and I have no intention of taking on the unpaid role of Christmas Fairy."
"The only time they have known hunger is when there's a long line at McDonald's. My 6-year-old son's extracurricular activities include French and fencing lessons - and no, he doesn't attend a fancy private school; they are just some of the many before- and after-school activity options we're lucky to have at our school. Meanwhile, his 3-year-old brother's daycare has a chef who cooks him a hot, gourmet lunch every day. That certainly beats my microwaved canned soup."
A parent intentionally avoids elaborate Christmas traditions to prevent overcommitment and exhaustion. The family omits popular seasonal items and activities such as Elf on the Shelf, matching pajamas, goody boxes, holiday photo shoots, and crowded Santa visits. The parent maintains a full-time job and refuses additional unpaid holiday responsibilities. Children already experience material comfort, varied extracurriculars, and regular gourmet meals at daycare. Family priorities favor enriching experiences and travel over excessive material spending, with trips to the Seychelles, Finland, Australia, and Tenerife. The parent emphasizes meaningful holiday experiences and teaches children that accumulation of more possessions is not inherently better.
Read at Business Insider
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