Why My Kids ARE Getting Toys For Christmas

I’m all for not spoiling kids -364 days of the year.  I get that they want out of the consumerism rat race, constantly buying more stuff, going into debt at Christmas, and then buying decluttering books in January to help get rid of all the excess.  I get it, really I do.

Toy Days Are Numbered

But…I’ve come to realize something.  My littles are already 8 and 11 and our toy days are numbered, very numbered.  Before I know it our Christmas mornings will be all gift cards and clothes.  I was in the toy aisle the other day with my 8 year old and she didn’t pick out one single thing. 🙁

When they were tiny and long days at home looking after them full time sure had their moments, I remember well meaning old ladies would say things like “enjoy it, it goes so fast”.  I saw their point, but felt a little overwhelmed with the present that seemed to go so slowly.  Days were marked by keeping them fed, rested, changed, bathed, and happy.  And all that was a full time job and it felt anything but fast.

But, they can pretty much feed themselves, dress themselves, and bathe themselves now, and although they still need help of course from time to time, everything has sped up.  And when I look at old home movies of my babies learning to walk, and talk, and play I wonder how those days have passed by so, so fast, and I realize my girls will soon be women.  All too quickly.

And so, if they want a Barbie, or a doll, or a game, or pretty much any toy this Christmas, they’ll be getting it.

Because our toy days are numbered.

We won’t be going into debt, or buying things we already have, or buying things they’ll never use.  But, there will be toys.

Save Your Restraint Lessons For Another Day

And I will save my lessons of restraint, and simplicity, and anti-consumerism, and re-using, and being frugal for the rest of the year.  I’ve come to understand that there are seasons in life.  Seasons of less and fasting, and simplicity, but there are also seasons of celebration, and excess, and feasting.  And both are good and necessary, and have their place.  So in the season of celebrating, I will celebrate, and celebrate well, and be thankful and generous, and happy and full.  And in January, I’ll diet.

Let the toy shopping begin!

With new toys to open on Christmas morning, life really is a party.

You might also like our Children’s Story Book Advent Calendar here.

Also check out our Printable Christmas Advent Activity Calendar here.

You might also like our Christmas Movie Night here.