Four Stebbers (mostly) Agree: What Matters During the Holidays

I have four beautiful children ages 16, 14, 12, and 6.  I have a lot of parenting years under my belt and I feel like I know what kids want.  But do I?  I try really hard to make the holidays special for the kids but so much of it is guesswork.  I also think that a lot of people focus too much on presents and not enough on quality time and making memories.  I decided to create a survey and see what my kids had to say.  Their answers may make you think about how kids of varying ages feel about the holiday season.

Question:

1. True or False, I like my present better when it has a ribbon or bow on it.

A: 1 true, 3 false

2. Do you prefer your present in a gift bag or wrapped?

A: 1 gift bag, 3 wrapped

3. True or False, I would like my present less if it was wrapped in just newspaper.

A: 1 true, 3 false

4. True or false, presents make it feel like Christmas.

A: 3 true, 1 false

5. True or false, my family's holiday traditions are important to me.

A: 3 true, 1 false

6. True or false, I would like presents even if my parents can't afford them.

A: 1 true, 3 false

7. Would you rather get one present that is something you really want or ten presents that are things you may or may not like?

A: 4 one present, 0 ten presents

8. True or false, I remember what presents I received last Christmas or for my last birthday.

A: 2 true, 2 false

9. The most meaningful present I ever received was:

A: Concert tickets to Lana Del Rey, The cookbook Mom made me, Monster High castle, Dinosaur picture.

10. My favorite part of the holiday season is:

A: Not having school, Cookie decorating with my family, Family getting along and people being kind, Painting ornaments.

The answers are not surprising but they do speak volumes.  Kids enjoy presents but also find sentiment in the other holiday traditions.  Try creating a budget and giving meaningful gifts within that budget.  There's no point in buying tons of gifts or spending money you don't have on gifts.  Chances are, they won't remember what their presents were by time Christmas rolls around again and 75% of kids don't care if the present is wrapped in newspaper.  Don't kill yourself trying to make it rain presents.  Find some things your family can do together and start some traditions.  Traditions will be remembered throughout their lives, long after the presents are gone and forgotten.  Everyone enjoys presents, but less is more. 

Meet the Panel:

Harriet, Frank, Charlie (the dog), Magdalene, and Esmeralda 

(not their real names)