Three Gifts

We actually don't do that, but I remembered someone talking about it on the message boards, and I really thought it was a great idea. My family has always made a big "to do" over Christmas, and it kind of stuck with me. I loved every tradition we had while growing up, and lots of presents was one of them. My parents never really bought us "stuff" during the year, so Christmas and Bdays were a pretty big deal.

I've never heard of this tradition but I love it!!! When our kids are little they get one large gift and a few smaller ones from Santa. Once they get older they each get $150, $50 cash and $50 to two different clothing stores. This way they get money to buy something they want and something they need.

We don't do it, but I actually love the idea. Had some friends years ago who did it and it seemed really meaningful.

That sounds like a good way to honor the season meaningfully. I have heard of four gifts that meet each recipient's needs: "something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read."

I also like this...the rest of my family makes a HUGE to do about christmas...my sister spent $400 on her two kids...clothes! for two little girls, under 3 that really didn't need anything for clothing at all. I would like my family to be different than that, but don't want my kids to feel left out of Christmas either, like everyone has tons of presents to talk about but them. I'd rather give them family things to talk about, baking and decorating, etc. It's easy for Christmas to get our of control present-wise...

Wow - that is alot - we spend about half that, and that includes bday presents as well (both boys bdays are in December). Even still, I think they ended up with about 6 or 7 presents (HUGE bargain shopper)! Emster....LOVED your idea - may try that with my DH this year...

I too, love this idea. It would certainly stop the big crunch from happening. Does anyone have more information (an article or anything) on the tradition, or is it as basic as it sounds? Do the gifts represent Jesus' gifts in more ways than just number?

We probably go overboard with Christmas and bdays, but honestly, I enjoy it! I do appreciate the meaning the 3 gifts would represent.

Honestly I've never reasearched it more than just knowing my Aunt always did it. Even now, since her girls are a little older there are 9 presents under the tree now (there are three girls) but the gift that is for all of them from "Santa" isn't there yet. They all say they will do the same tradition with their kids. They are all also allowed to choose a charity that they donate money to each year. Typically each girl discusses with her parents the charity, and then how much they woud like to give (out of savings) and then the parents match the amount. It is a family that does very well financially...having been a Nanny for other family's that are wealthy...they have done a great job raising these girls to cherish the true meaning of Christmas, time with their family, and the importance of helping others... The three gifts that they get are typically off their christmas list. Once one of them "negoiated" that Jesus got gold so she wanted a gold dress watch...so I think she got the gold dress watch, and then two very much less expensive gifts that were very close to Frankincense and Myrrh. I know I have read other families that do this on other parenting boards...so I don't think my Aunt is the only one.