Four Gifts Each: A Christmas Tradition

Ever since my niece was born, I have started a Christmas gift tradition with her. I do the tradition as well with my own kids, with what they get from “Mom and Dad”. It’s harder to manage here because they get “Santa” gifts too. But with my nieces, I do my very best to stay strict to 4 gifts each.

I did this for a couple of reasons. I wanted to be more purposeful when I bought them items. I didn’t want to buy things for the sake of buying them. (Although I do sneak more than 4 things in sometimes by adding a few items to the box). I wanted part of what I gave them each year to be useful and not just for fun, to be discarded 5 minutes after Christmas was over. As they grow older and understand more about this tradition, I also thought it’d be fun to have them take guesses with each one. 

So what is it that I do? I use the phrases:

Something you WANT

Something you NEED

Something to WEAR

Something to READ

This doesn’t complicate Christmas; it really does make it easier! I have a budget of what I’m going to spend, and look for the want, wear, and read parts first! Usually, what’s left goes to the need. Because they are still so little, the NEED gift has always been college money.   

They might not get as much out of it as I do. They might chalk it up to Silly Aunt Stephanie or wish it were all WANT gifts, but hopefully someday they’ll look back on this tradition and smile. I know I will. 

Original post by Stephanie on 11/28/18