Skip Christmas Gifts? Discover Why Many Parents Say Yes!

Choosing Experience Over Gifts: A Trend Among Families

This Christmas season, many families are rethinking the traditions that have defined the holiday season. In a world where gift-giving often leads to stress and financial strain, some parents are choosing to skip the presents and focus on meaningful experiences instead.

Learning from Real Stories

Two moms, April Jackson and Brittany Magsig, have shared their journeys to a gift-free Christmas. April, with her 4.5-year-old twins, believes in creating memories over material possessions. Instead of gifts, she encourages experiences like travel, explaining that it fosters a deeper connection to the world around them. “They are living their best life, waking up asking if today we will be taking a plane or a taxi,” she shares proudly.

Brittany echoes this sentiment, noting her children, aged 2 and 4, are overwhelmed by toys that create clutter rather than joy. “[Christmas] became more stressful than anything,” she admits. By informing family about their decision to forgo gifts, she hopes to generate understanding and support for this change in tradition.

Why Families Are Making The Switch

Research supports these parents' choices—over 70% of parents surveyed by Kiddie Academy prioritize experiences over tangible gifts as a means of instilling values of gratitude and reducing materialism in their children. According to parenting expert Ericka Souter, these experiences foster long-lasting memories compared to material items.

Building Gratitude in Kids

Parents like Gabrielle Flores have turned this idea into a teaching moment about gratitude. By opting for socks, books, and educational items over toys, she teaches her children to appreciate the season for its true meaning—family and traditions. She reflects, “It’s more about the giving aspect of everything and not just the presents.”

Conclusion: A Meaningful Holiday

The holiday season doesn’t have to be about the number of gifts under the tree; it can be a time for family experiences and cherished memories. Parents choosing to skip Christmas gifts are paving the way for a holiday that celebrates togetherness over materialism. As this trend gains popularity, families might find greater joy and connection during the festive season.