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In the meantime, I wanted to share with you all a little something that our family has learned about the holidays and ALL.THE.GIFTS. I'm sure you've read the articles and stories about how it's better to give experiences to our children instead of more "things" ~ WELL, the holidays have been such a struggle for me to be honest. We (I) tend to go overboard every year ~ because as a photographer, this is my busy season but also my "spend money" season. So I like to buy the kids a lot of gifts. Its FUN and they are not spoiled children so I enjoy this one time of the year that I indulge a bit. Fred's always been on me though - saying we spend too much on things they don't really care about. You know, the things they open and love for about fifteen minutes and two months later I'm trying to figure out a way to get rid of it. Those "things" are the worst. So, two years ago we decided that we'd do Disney as the kids' big gift that Christmas. They still got a few Christmas gifts but many were centered around our trip - new luggage and raincoats for example - things we have used several times since our trip to WDW!! Anyway, we left that year for Disney on New Year's Day. It was HANDS DOWN the best Christmas. I'm always sad on December 26th - you know that feeling - it's all over and now we have to move on to another year (and clean up this mess). But that year..........I was excited!! So happy that we had Disney to look forward to in a few days. And it wasn't a super long trip. We only stayed five nights, but we had the most fun!
Last Christmas we went back to all the "gifts" ~ and it was such a mistake. A few Furbys and Robo-pets later, I realized that I'd done it again. Bought them a lot of junky toys to fill some weird non existent void ~ there would be no distinct memories like the year before.
The kids don't ever talk about Furby. Ever. They don't talk about the Robo-dog or the laptops. They talk about when we are going on vacation again. Specifically when are we going back to Disney???
This year they'll get some new clothes under the tree and Santa will bring a few goodies for their stockings but they know what we all want for Christmas!! And
I can help you take the regret out of your Christmas spending. Promise.
Mauri's Disney Site
