[Sherry Lynn]

Thank you Ang for such a wonderful story of how you brought the true meaning of Christmas back into your family. I love your formula AND your layout! Thank you so much for sharing!

[Becster]

I love it too! That's something we've struggled with as well, but it was hard overcoming the precedent we'd set.

[ValerieT]

I loved it too, now to find how we can do something similar here.

[Sara Arell]

Well said, Ang! Beautifully written article!

[Bride]

Well written thoughts from the heart, Ang. Thank you for sharing this with us ... I'm sure everyone has struggled with this at one time or another. Glad for your solution for your family!!

[mbc72]

Such a sensible approach to the holidays, and just think, with all that money you save, you can actually get out and do some family activities, which is what my kids usually remember anyway! Now, just to get Dad on board with the idea!

[mimes1]

I agree - Christmas buying stress has become overwhelming at our house also. This year we are taking a trip to the Grand Canyon instead of buying tons of presents. We told the girls they will still get their stockings and One small present under the tree. They'll remember the trip for years to come. I know they don't remember their gifts from year to year. I think for next year, I am going to implement Ang's well thought out Christmas Gift Formula. It's brilliant, heart felt, and will help build the character our children. Thank you so much, Ang!

[JenW]

I enjoyed it! I have heard of similar formulas but never with the element of "Surprise" I really liked that idea. Thanks for a great article!

[AngRoCamp]

JenW, on 10 December 2012 - 10:53 AM, said:

I enjoyed it! I have heard of similar formulas but never with the element of "Surprise" I really liked that idea. Thanks for a great article!

The surprise part was really important to me because I LOVE seeing the kids surprised reactions on Christmas. The element of suspense that comes with a wrapped gift and having no idea what it inside is one of my favorite parts of holidays where gifts are involved. I LOVE shopping to find the "perfect" thing for someone. And even though technically getting my kids the one main thing they want IS giving them their "perfect" gift, the element of surprise and suspense and intrigue were all sort of zapped when we considered doing just the one want gift. Adding the surprise gift has made gift GIVING more fun for me and keeps the magical element of surprise alive for the kids It's fun!

[AngRoCamp]

I'm so glad you all liked it We've been using this little formula for about 8 years now and it works so well for us. With four kids there's still a nice little pile of presents under the tree so it still feels festive and exciting without all the unnecessary and unappreciated excess.

Willy and I even apply the formula for giving to each other, which is always fun, too!

[fidelmafan]

i'll ditto everything above, especially the surprise! one addition we made as our children are now adults: give a small gift we enjoy giving and think they will enjoy, but put most of the money into a gift for someone in need. we have given to various charities, and this year are giving clean water. as the next generation has come along, we are giving an ornament, something their parents suggest, a book and that gift to others.

another thing i did with small kids was to celebrate the 12 days of christmas. christmas pajamas every christmas eve, then a gift each day until january 6. a "big" gift was on christmas day and on Epiphany (jan 6). other days were smaller surprises or needs, with one being a gift to others.

[cyndals]

Just catching up on my NL. Loved it Ang! I'm glad you kept in the "surprise" part.