I found this article while scrolling through Facebook the other night, and was really struck by the "rule of four". This proposes that we should really only be getting our children a total of four presents, that fit the following needs:
- Something you want
- Something you need
- Something to wear
- Something to read
Quite honestly, my husband and I have struggled financially for most of our life together with him reinventing himself as a teacher after his business in Rehoboth Beach closed during the recession, and me traveling from town to town and starting over every 3 to 5 years in a new radio gig. We never really had to money to spoil Eleanor, but I would feel guilty when I saw pictures of other friend's Christmas trees just overflowing with gifts for their one child. This rule of four may not suit everyone, but it certainly does suit our family. It's the time and experiences that mean so much more to me than stuff.