How Many Presents Should a Child Get for Christmas?

"Mothers are like buttons. They hold everything together."

Merry Friday, Moms! As if the holiday rush wasn't enough, here are some last-minute tips to add to your ever-growing to-do list.

Today’s Mommy scoop:

• Christmas Gifts: How to not overdo it (or underdo it)

• Suitcase Space Saver 🧳

• Delicious Spinach Quiche 🥬

• DIY Frosted Luminaries 🌟

Holiday Hoopla

How Many Presents Should a Child Get for Christmas?

With Christmas morning comes a whirlwind of excitement and expectation, especially for our little ones eyeing the presents under the tree.

As parents, we love to see their joy, but how do we strike the right balance between generous giving and teaching gratitude?

Quality Over Quantity

Experts warn about the risks of overgifting.

Mark Joseph, founder of Parental Queries, highlights how too many gifts can foster materialism and entitlement in kids.

The key? Opt for fewer, more meaningful presents. 

Remember, it's not about the quantity, but the quality of each gift.

Personalize Your Approach

Every family is unique, and so is their approach to gifting.

Elanna Yalow, Ph.D., from KinderCare, advises considering factors like family size, budget, and personal values.

Create a list with your child, focusing on their interests and your judgment.

This helps manage expectations and keeps gifting grounded in reality.

Set a Sensible Budget

Most parents, according to a 2022 study, budget around $220 per child, with some aiming for under $100.

Setting a budget helps avoid overspending and ensures gift-giving aligns with your financial comfort zone.

Explore Gift Alternatives

Experiences are becoming a popular alternative to traditional presents.

Think concerts, shows, or trips. These can create lasting memories and offer a different kind of joy.

Establish Gift-Giving Limits

Decide what works for your family.

Whether it's the 'rule of three,' 'something you want, need, wear, read,' or a set budget, sticking to a plan can help maintain balance and intention in your gift-giving.

Allow Kids to Dream

Encourage your children to maintain a year-round wishlist.

This helps them understand and prioritize their desires over time, providing perspective on what they truly want.

The right number of Christmas gifts for your child depends on your family's unique circumstances and values.

Focus on thoughtful, well-chosen presents rather than a large quantity.

Keep the spirit of the season alive by balancing generosity with gratitude, and you'll create a Christmas that's both joyful and meaningful. 🎁❤️🎄

Keep reading here.

Together with Vinovest

Pouring Profits: Why whiskey as an asset class.

Invest Like the Greats — What do Thomas Jefferson, LeBron James, and the British royal family have in common? They all invested in wine and whiskey. And with good reason. According to Knight Frank, wine and whiskey have been two of the best-performing alternative assets of the last decade. See how Vinovest makes it easy to invest like the ultra wealthy today!

Mom's Mic: This Week’s Poll 🎤 

Poll Results From 12/8

Which educational activity does your child enjoy the most?

 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Reading books (44%)

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Arts and Crafts (20%)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Science experiments (13%)

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Outdoor learning activities (17%)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Digital educational games (6%)

Featured Response😄 

Aww, that's the sweetest! There's nothing like those precious reading cuddles. Keep up the wonderful reading adventures! 📚💕 - Danielle 😊 

Mom Hack

Roll Clothes for Space

Mom Hack

Try rolling your clothes when packing for trips.

It's a space-saving trick often used by flight attendants.

This method allows you to fit more into your luggage, and it's great for keeping kids' and adults' outfits organized and easy to find.

Mom’s Menu

🥬 Spinach Quiche: A Savory Delight

Here's a Spinach Quiche recipe that's not just nutritious but also a crowd-pleaser!

Packed with spinach, onion, garlic, and a trio of cheeses, it's as impressive as it is easy to make.

Perfect for any meal - be it a fancy brunch or a cozy weeknight dinner!

Why You'll Love It

• 🥬 Loaded with healthy spinach for a nutrient boost.

• 🧀 A heavenly mix of three cheeses for that perfect flavor.

Ingredients 📝

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 6 large eggs

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 medium onion, diced small

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/2 cup cottage cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

• 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped

• 1 pie crust

Instructions 👩‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prepare a 9-inch pie dish with the pie crust.

2. Whisk together eggs, milk, cottage cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

3. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft, then add spinach until wilted.

4. Combine the spinach mixture with the egg mixture and cheeses. Pour into the pie crust, topping with extra cheese.

5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until set and golden brown. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Note 📌

This Spinach Quiche is a versatile dish you can adapt with different ingredients.

It's perfect for using up leftovers or adding a personal touch.

Serve it up at your next family gathering or as a delightful dinner, and watch it become a new favorite!

Full recipe here.

Daily DIY (Winter Edition)

Frosted Christmas Luminaries

Craft beautiful Christmas Luminaries using mason jars, Mod Podge, Epsom salt, fir branches, and small wood slices.

1. Clean jars, coat them with Mod Podge, and roll in Epsom salt for a frosted look.

2. Wrap twine around the jar's mouth, attaching branches and wood slices with hot glue.

3. Insert flameless candles for a warm, festive glow.

These luminaries are simple to make and add a cozy touch to your home. 😊 

The tutorial is here.

Mom’s Choice

Have you seen the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag? 🏃‍♀️

It's the stylish, hands-free solution for those quick dashes out the door.

Whether it's a diaper emergency or a coffee run, this little wonder keeps your essentials organized and accessible, and let's be honest, it's super cute too!

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

Game

Parenting Pop Quiz

Which vitamin is essential for a baby's bone development?
(Answer below)

A) Vitamin C

B) Vitamin D

C) Vitamin B12

D) Vitamin E

Mom’s Meme 🤣

🎁 Share The Mommy

Share The Mommy with friends & family, get free stuff, and feel the joy of growing a community where every mom helps another.

It’s like swapping secrets over playdates, but better. 😊 

Your referral count: 0

Only 1 away from the Kids' Activity Bucket List

Or copy & paste your referral link to others: https://newsletter.themommy.news/subscribe?ref=PLACEHOLDER

Answer

Answer: B) Vitamin D