Today I thought I would share with you what I did for Christmas for the kids. I try really hard to follow the four present rule: one gift to wear, one gift of need, one gift of want, and one gift to read. I also give a stuffed full stocking.

The following is a list of what the kids got and how well or not so well I followed the four present rule:

Shali: A new winter coat (need)
         2 pairs of pajama pants (wear)
         cosmetic travel bag (want)
         Barnes and Noble $25 gift card (read)

Jordan: A new robe (wear)
            hair straightener (need in her mind)
            cosmetic travel bag (want)
            Amazon Kindle $25 gift card (read)

Paige: 2 pairs of pajama pants (wear)
          large utility tote (need)
          handmade snow globe (made by me!) (want)
          3 new books (read)

Dane: A new shirt and pants (wear)
          Mindcraft Lego set (want)
          Star Wars snap together model kit (want)
          3 new books (read)

Dane was much, much more difficult to shop for this year in the way of presents and stocking. I had no idea what to get him! He gave me a complete list of his wants this year, but he rarely has any needs because he is the last child, is low maintenance, and receives many hand-me-downs. He got two wants, but I purposely picked these out because they require no technology and are quite challenging. He needs that.

I also really try to get books for each kid, but the older two girls did not know what books they wanted. I am sure by now their gift cards for books are gone!

I do not have a set limit for what I will spend for Christmas. I just do not want to go overboard because I think that sends the wrong message. I try to keep it under $100 for each kid and shop all the sales and specials I can. I spent about $75 – $90 on each child not including stockings. Next year I will try to keep track of what I spent on each stocking, but I am estimating it to be about $20 with the older girls being a little more. I buy them a lot of little stuff they may need like hair brushes and whatnot.

A very good Christmas was had by all and they loved their gifts!

Thanks for reading!
Erica

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