Poll: How many gifts does Santa bring?

[Anonymous]

It changed over the years. When my kids were really little, he brought lots of toys and left them under the tree unwrapped.

When my kids got older he started just bringing one "big" gift (like a kindle, or a playstation DS, etc.) and it was wrapped in fancy gold wrapping paper.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of the gifts come from Santa. The kids get the same amount of gifts. This year, they each got ten plus stockings.

Do your kids not give others gifts? That's a big thing for us - the giving.

My children are still young and believe in Santa.

I work in the homeless advocacy arena, so my children are exposed to giving 365 days a year through other avenues. Not to be snarky, but having your child buy or even a make a gift for their parents/siblings/grandparents won't yield the result you are hoping for; your methods merely promote commercialism (bankrolled by you).

Yes, my kids thinking of others is just terrible. I have my kids pick out gifts for friends' birthdays and other holidays too. They take the time to think of what other people would like, their interests, etc. I'm happy with the result so far - thoughtful kids. And I'm also glad that once they figure out the Santa thing there is still more to Christmas than that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of the gifts come from Santa. The kids get the same amount of gifts. This year, they each got ten plus stockings.

Do your kids not give others gifts? That's a big thing for us - the giving.

My children are still young and believe in Santa.

I work in the homeless advocacy arena, so my children are exposed to giving 365 days a year through other avenues. Not to be snarky, but having your child buy or even a make a gift for their parents/siblings/grandparents won't yield the result you are hoping for; your methods merely promote commercialism (bankrolled by you).

Yes, my kids thinking of others is just terrible. I have my kids pick out gifts for friends' birthdays and other holidays too. They take the time to think of what other people would like, their interests, etc. I'm happy with the result so far - thoughtful kids. And I'm also glad that once they figure out the Santa thing there is still more to Christmas than that.

That's fine. But it's still commercialism at Christmas. We don't really buy into all of that. My siblings and I decided early on not to exchange gifts with adults and kids. We provide for our children at Christmas, and they do likewise. We bake for friends and neighbors, and we host Christmas dinner for family. For us, Christmas is about the birth of Christ and the magic of the holiday season that inspires extra kindness and the recognition of your blessings. DH and I both have careers in public service (not government---think: advocacy/social service), so our children are constantly exposed to social justice and community service (and not in a paternalistic "us vs them" way).

There's nothing wrong with your way...but there's nothing wrong with my way, either. You seemed to initially suggest that your way was better (giving). Since we don't embrace commercialism or materialism, we find other ways to give. Baking, visiting folks, helping others, etc. are other ways to "give." I hope my kids take a simple approach to Christmas like we have. Our home is filled with decorations and holiday spirit, but we essentially shun the family shopping element that others seem to enjoy or endure. My kids are actually on the older end of the "still believe in Santa" spectrum, and that thrills me. They really embrace the magic of Christmas and spirit of the season...and I hope that stays with them as adults.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Santa brings one present plus stocking here. Other presents come from mom, dad, and other relatives.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of the gifts come from Santa. The kids get the same amount of gifts. This year, they each got ten plus stockings.

Do your kids not give others gifts? That's a big thing for us - the giving.

My children are still young and believe in Santa.

I work in the homeless advocacy arena, so my children are exposed to giving 365 days a year through other avenues. Not to be snarky, but having your child buy or even a make a gift for their parents/siblings/grandparents won't yield the result you are hoping for; your methods merely promote commercialism (bankrolled by you).

Yes, my kids thinking of others is just terrible. I have my kids pick out gifts for friends' birthdays and other holidays too. They take the time to think of what other people would like, their interests, etc. I'm happy with the result so far - thoughtful kids. And I'm also glad that once they figure out the Santa thing there is still more to Christmas than that.

That's fine. But it's still commercialism at Christmas. We don't really buy into all of that. My siblings and I decided early on not to exchange gifts with adults and kids. We provide for our children at Christmas, and they do likewise. We bake for friends and neighbors, and we host Christmas dinner for family. For us, Christmas is about the birth of Christ and the magic of the holiday season that inspires extra kindness and the recognition of your blessings. DH and I both have careers in public service (not government---think: advocacy/social service), so our children are constantly exposed to social justice and community service (and not in a paternalistic "us vs them" way).

There's nothing wrong with your way...but there's nothing wrong with my way, either. You seemed to initially suggest that your way was better (giving). Since we don't embrace commercialism or materialism, we find other ways to give. Baking, visiting folks, helping others, etc. are other ways to "give." I hope my kids take a simple approach to Christmas like we have. Our home is filled with decorations and holiday spirit, but we essentially shun the family shopping element that others seem to enjoy or endure. My kids are actually on the older end of the "still believe in Santa" spectrum, and that thrills me. They really embrace the magic of Christmas and spirit of the season...and I hope that stays with them as adults.

So the 10 presents per kid somehow isn't materialistic? Okay.......

[Anonymous]

People writing "plus stocking", what goes in the stocking if it isn't gifts?

I always feel guilty on these threads if I say "12", but I wonder I should say "3 plus stocking" because I am counting the gifts that go in there.

[Anonymous]

My kids get 10-15 gifts each from Santa. They are not spoiled and enjoy the magic of coming down to see lots of presents under the tree. They're lovely, kind, compassionate, and grateful children. Nothing wrong with creating a special morning for them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids get 10-15 gifts each from Santa. They are not spoiled and enjoy the magic of coming down to see lots of presents under the tree. They're lovely, kind, compassionate, and grateful children. Nothing wrong with creating a special morning for them.

Ditto.

Signed,

PP with ten gifts per kid

[Anonymous]

People writing "plus stocking", what goes in the stocking if it isn't gifts?

I always feel guilty on these threads if I say "12", but I wonder I should say "3 plus stocking" because I am counting the gifts that go in there.

[Anonymous]

Our stocking "gifts" are fuzzy socks, candy canes, clementines, tiny toys (top, bouncy balls), etc. I didn't include them in my count.

[Anonymous]

Santa brought 1 special gift and stockings. The stockings had 3-5 little gifts plus chocolate. Little in size, but also inexpensive.

The remaining gifts are from family, they go under the tree early because I think anticipation heightens the fun, and we open them Christmas Eve (German tradition). Then the morning is for stockings and Santa.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People writing "plus stocking", what goes in the stocking if it isn't gifts?

I always feel guilty on these threads if I say "12", but I wonder I should say "3 plus stocking" because I am counting the gifts that go in there.

In our house, the stockings are filled with special Christmas chocolates and silly little gag gifts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People writing "plus stocking", what goes in the stocking if it isn't gifts?

I always feel guilty on these threads if I say "12", but I wonder I should say "3 plus stocking" because I am counting the gifts that go in there.

PP here wuose kids receive 10+ presents from Santa plus stockings (also from Santa).

The stockings have things like those $3.00 lego bags from the Target check out lane, pokemon card packs, ear buds, those light up noise making candy dispensers that I always refuse to buy because "they are a waste of money" , candy canes, socks, Lifesavers Christmas books, oranges, maybe a small stuffed animal peeking out of the top.

Little things in the under $5.00 range.

The kids can open their stockings before we get out of bed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of the gifts come from Santa. The kids get the same amount of gifts. This year, they each got ten plus stockings.

Do your kids not give others gifts? That's a big thing for us - the giving.

My children are still young and believe in Santa.

I work in the homeless advocacy arena, so my children are exposed to giving 365 days a year through other avenues. Not to be snarky, but having your child buy or even a make a gift for their parents/siblings/grandparents won't yield the result you are hoping for; your methods merely promote commercialism (bankrolled by you).

Yes, my kids thinking of others is just terrible. I have my kids pick out gifts for friends' birthdays and other holidays too. They take the time to think of what other people would like, their interests, etc. I'm happy with the result so far - thoughtful kids. And I'm also glad that once they figure out the Santa thing there is still more to Christmas than that.

I think it great that your kids spend their own money on others, pp.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids get 10-15 gifts each from Santa. They are not spoiled and enjoy the magic of coming down to see lots of presents under the tree. They're lovely, kind, compassionate, and grateful children. Nothing wrong with creating a special morning for them.

Ditto.

Signed,

PP with ten gifts per kid

Yeah, we end up with about 10 gifts per kid from santa, plus stockings.