Why Do People Spend So Much at Christmas?
It’s hard to believe what some parents spend on their youngsters, often going way beyond their means to ensure their children are supplied with enough presents to last them until next year. Last year, it was found that the average parent spends £312 on presents per child, with many parents spending more, treating them to the latest iPad, computer console, top of the range TVs or enough toys to stock a small toy store.
So why do some people spend so much? And why do others spend little? A lot of it may stem from how they celebrated Christmas as a child. If it’s always been about the gifts as much as it has been about the quality time and family experiences, it’s likely that people will want to their own children to be lavished with just as much. Equally, if people never received piles of toys as a child, chances are they’re not going to start when they become parents themselves.
For most children, it’s not about the volume of gifts they receive, anyway. Younger children, especially, wouldn’t know the difference between a super cool play set such as the Little People Princess Songs Palace and a couple of jigsaws and £500 worth of stuff – they’ll be happy with whatever they have.
Nobody should feel bad for spoiling their kids; as long as the children learn the value of money and understand that Christmas is a unique occasion for this type of spoiling, they shouldn’t grow up into brattish individuals that expect life handed to them on a plate. If people can afford to treat their kids, why shouldn’t they?
The problem is, for many people, it’s a case of keeping up with the Joneses. It’s natural for parents to feel pressure from outside sources, such as other parents and kids that their children are friends with. Parents may feel like their child could be missing out if they don’t have all of the latest things when, in actuality, they’re not missing out at all.
Other parents may feel an element of guilt and may think that bestowing plenty of gifts at Christmas and beyond could make up for it. Perhaps they work full time and don’t get to spend much free time with their kids. The reality is that the child would probably prefer to spend more quality time with their mum and dad than a jam-packed toy box.
Commercial pressure, through advertisements and marketing campaign, can’t help much, either. As Christmas draws nearer, adverts on the TV come thick and fast and parents are bound to feel the strain from their kids wanting everything they see.
The simple solution would be to teach your kids, from a young age, what they can expect from Christmas. Live within your means and enjoy the time together; no matter how much or how little you can afford, it’ll still be magical regardless.
Post Provided By Kira
The post Why Do People Spend So Much at Christmas? appeared first on The Naptime Review.
