I have a question: Do you know any kids who are too obsessed with getting presents for Christmas?

[bluestateguy]

There is nothing wrong with exchanging gifts for Christmas, but I do have to express some concern with the way some children (just some, mind you) seem to be overly obsessed with getting presents without concern for anything else about Christmas. Perhaps this behavior is encouraged by their families, or by the culture, especially I suppose, if you grow up your whole childhood in an affluent sheltered community. I could see how it would happen.

Getting presents is nice, but I actually enjoy giving presents more now. I also enjoy being with the family for Christmas, good food, Christmas carols, Christmas trees, and decorations.

[murielm99]

1. Yes.

I do know children like that.

We tried to discourage that in my kids when they were growing up. We did it by having them make things, and making things with them. We found crafts for them to make as presents. And we made dozens of cookies together and gave them away. My youngest was always worried that we would give away all the gingerbread men and she would not get any. As soon as I began to set out cookies for family and guests, she would grab a gingerbread man and inhale it.

[Chan790]

2. No, I find the question abruptly silly in fact.

I assume by kids you mean children under 10.

No, they're supposed to be excited and obsessed with getting presents at Christmas...if they were not? I'd be much more concerned. The rest of it really is a nuisance at that age. Random relatives you see once a year who have not been disabused of the notion that your name is "Sport"? A god-awful huge meal you have no interest in? Getting dragged out of bed for church or some other function? Having to go shopping? (and let's face it, rarely do small children buy not-shitty gifts...my then-5-year-old brother gave me Chia. Two years later, I got a pair of (my own! stolen!) pants with sequins glued (poorly) to them...with carpenter's glue.) Being forced to sing in the elementary school winter recital and/or school field trip to carol at the (No lie, that was the name of the nearby convalescent home)"Wrinkle Village"? Having to wait patiently for your next turn to open a gift? No, for a small child it's pretty fair to say the rest of Christmas sucks big fat donkey dicks. The getting gifts is the only good part for a small kid; you grow into caring about the rest of it. (This is why the movie "A Christmas Story" resonates with our culture...we can all connect to it because we've all been Ralphie at some point. We all grow up to be the parents, we want what is best for our kids and to see them happy.)

If they were still that selfish at 12? 13? I'd be concerned.

[guitar man]

8. Exactly

It's perfectly natural for a kid to be obsessed with an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle! :P

[Pool Hall Ace]

9. Love this response!

For me, the best part about Christmas was the pretty lights, and being able to get a week off of school to spend time with my friends and our new gifts.

I thought perhaps I was the only one who hated singing in pageants, shopping, or (just as you describe it) the god-awful huge meal.

Now I see why I enjoy 'A Christmas Story' so much! :D

[Skittles]

13. I guess I wasn't a normal kid then

my brothers and I were taught not to act like brats

[Iggo]

3. Just some?

:rofl:

[Kaleva]

4. A nephew had a major melt down yesterday.

And I mean major!

[pacalo]

5. I noticed that a long time ago at nieces' & nephews' birthday parties before I had children

of my own. It seemed obnoxious & extravagant to me. It left such an impression on me that when I did have children of my own, I didn't give them lavish parties, but I always made sure that they were given a special gift, along with their choice of family outing & meal.

Parties seem to be given as a ploy to get gifts & I always requested that I not be given bridal or baby showers, either. I'm probably the least spoiled person one could ever meet. As long as I have the basic necessities & all is well with family & friends, I'm truly happy.

[elleng]

6. Its the culture, as well as some families, and I agree. I hate it.

[quakerboy]

7. Hmm

Not big on the whole gifting thing. If someone needs something, and you can give it to them, do so without waiting for a holiday. If they don't need it, don't give it to them. Just like I do not hold my love only to be disbursed on Valentines day, I see no reason to withhold giving and limiting it to Christmas.

[revolution breeze]

10. Not kids, but parents.

Sister-in-law sends out Eggbert's wish list on October 1. These are the gifts she expects US to buy, not Santy Claus. This year he got two gift cards and a savings bond instead of a new DSi with the special Mario game, Imaginex Bigfoot Monster, VTech V Reader and a television for his room. Eggie is 5.

[tigereye]

11. I think it's easier for the younger ones to obsess, but if

their parents put it in perspective from early on (i.e., the religious aspect of Christmas, giving gifts to those less fortunate, volunteering, etc), I think that keeps that sort of thing in check. We always explained to my kid that he would get some things on his list, but not all, and that we needed to donate gifts at book stores for kids who had less, and to be grateful for what we have, family, health, etc.

[tigereye]

12. whoops- dup