I've been sat here today trying to get some more Christmas cards made. It made me wonder how many people, including your good selves, are making there own gifts to give?

My Mother always made us a jumper/cardigan as part of our Christmas present. My Grandfather made wooded toys. One of my Grandmothers made up presents of home made jams and chutneys for the adults and cakes for the children. My daughter still has a rag doll made for her by a good friend. I've got a beautiful water-colour of my 3 children given as a gift by another friend.

After listening to some parents at a get together the other evening, it seems now that a quick shop on line or a fast visit into town is the way most people will sort out their gifts this year. These are the same parents who complain that their children have so many things it's hard to know what to get them.

In future years, as well as studying the Victorians, etc. will our Grandchildren be taught 'Once upon a time you got a few nuts, some fruit, a few sweets as well as 1 present plus maybe a book.'

Each generation likes to make sure that their children have what they never did. Are we buying for ourselves or the children?

How times have changed.

It's really sad how commercial Xmas has become, my youngest is 16 and I remmember her saying one year when she was only 2 or 3 that her best present was her shiny red apple just as I'm typing this she said to me "how much was the pressie you got for big sis?" as she wanted to know how much we would be spending on her speaks for itself really, it would be lovely to get back to simple times.

I know just what you mean.As my children are a bit spread out in ages I have seen a big difference between Son1 who is 30 and youngest who is 16.It is even worse now.Sons were happy if they had a stocking with a multitude of tiny singly wrapped presents in their stocking which included cars, pencils, erasers,sharpeners(usuallyfootball club ones) new gloves, socks a mandarin and a chocolate orange.We reckon this gave us an extra hour in bed sometimes with all 4 kids in too. Then it was a new football shirt or boots, a jumper,several books and a football.That was a good Christmas.Their friends had similar presents although one had more but he was an only child.
Jimbo I noticed things getting out of hand when she was about 5.While she had a stocking and a dolly which could wee, a new dress and tights and some books we visited a friend whose sitting room was littered with her three girls presents.She said 'They don't know what to play with' as two were arguing.She proudly told me they had received 3 bin bags full of stuff EACH and I mean the big black bags!When we were driving home
my precious 5 year old said 'They get far too much stuff for Christmas mum.'
Luckily my sisters feel the same and until two years ago we spent £5 on each child now its harder to find something for that price so we vary it but no more than £10. We quite often get a family present like loads of craft stuff to share(me to her girls) or tickets for the pictures or another day out.We also make stuff.I sent an angel one year and last year I made Debbie Mumm snowmen placemats with each child name on the back.This year it's cushion covers.Mum had one last year hand stitched with gold thread.My grown up boys get a piece of clothing and a hamper which we make up including some homemade stuff.They appreciate it.
Sorry for such a long post but I agree entirely kids get far too much.I remeber one at school who received an x box, a Playstation and a mobile phone as well as sweets and other stuff. He was about 8/9.

I have been amazed at reading some of the parenting forums and finding out just how ungrateful some children are about what they get.

This year we decided we didn't have it so we weren't going to spend it. No Christmas presents. We did have turkey, and half a bacon joint a friend gave us as they had too much anyway. Home made Christmas pud.

Despite some concerns over all it was one of the best Christmas days we have had. What we gave was our time to each other. A huge hug and 'love you' from Miss G at the end of the evening was easily one of the best presents I've ever had. Plus as there was not so much excitement or expectations she was also much more settled then normal for Christmas day.

Not sure if I can get away with it two years on the row though

defintiely didnt buy as much this year (though mine are older) and i said they can buy what they wanted in the sales after Xmas. 2 of them ordered cameras on Boxing Day which were cheaper for waiting, and they were happy with what they got on Xmas day and i know for a fact they had a lot less than last year.

To be honest these days there is usually nothing they 'want or need'...when we were younger we saved or had to wait till xmas or birthdays as the money wasnt there. Now they have mostly what they want anyway.

we made all the girfs for the children at school from scratch and they we're fantastic , we made bread decorations , cars biscuits boxes chocolates , calanders ,the kids loved doing them ,the parents thought they we're special and it saved us a fortune