Our society sometimes places too much emphasis on material things. Today's youth know the price of everything, and the value of nothing. This is our fault as parents and adults. Also we don't celebrate the religious significance of Christmas as we should.

Don't blame bad parenting on getting too many Christmas gifts!!! My sisters and I always got dozens of presents and we are all well adjusted, giving, loving people. We value family over everything else and have been successful in teaching our own children the same. Santa only lasts a few short years let the kids enjoy it!!!!

I had friends who got a LOT of presents, and they always wanted to count and compare who got better stuff.  It was gross and sad.  I always remember feeling bad about my parents spending so much money.  I want to instill those same values in my children.  They only get a couple of gifts for the holidays.  I prefer to bake and do crafts, movie nights, volunteer! etc to enhance their hoilday spirits.  They love it! 

I grew up getting lots of gifts with my brothers. WE LOVED IT and never counted or compared. One of my fondest memories, is coming downstairs in the morning and looking at ALL the presents under the tree. But I never lost site of what Christmas meant. I come from a Polish background, and our Christmas Eve family dinner was very traditional and I continue it to this day in memory of my grandma. I have only one son and he's the only grandchild in my family. Not to mention, I'm divorced so he gets two sets of gifts. But his father and I limit his gifts and I have a small family so he only gets one gift from each of us. But in order to keep him from getting overwhelmed, we spread out the gift opening over two days, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Give what you can and do what you feel. Everyone has their own way of celebrating and there is no right way or wrong way, just enjoy!

we averaged between 60 and 80 presents and I loved it. I used to go tease all the kids in the neighborhood that didnt have as many as me and explain to them that their parents didnt love them. Now I know the difference and know that as long as your parents get you between 5 and 35 presents they love you. No more no less

We open wrapped packages Christmas Eve and even open one gift each on the day or two leading up to that. By Christmas morning, there's nothing left but the stockings! This started with my first child's first Christmas - he had so many new toys I let him start a good 10 days early. He got to be excited over and enjoy each gift much more this way.

When children are young and believe in Santa Claus the gift giving is fun and a tradition in most families, I have wonderful childhood memories of Santa Claus, however when they are older they should be taught to give rather than get. Give of themselves with time, gifts, or deeds for neighbors and community.There is a time for every purpose, and they need to share in the joys of CHRISTMAS, and that doesn't mean with catchers mitts on each hand!

What an odd measure to discern whether your parents love you or not, the 5 to 35 present thing. I don't think number of gifts make a bit of difference - sometimes parents can't give anything. I think as long as you give your children love, and that's ALL through the year, and you teach your kids what is important and what is not - family, home, caring about each other, valuing your health - then they won't be mistaken over what, or how much, is important.

I raised my daughter by myself, and one year, I had 25 dollars (and not until Christmas Eve) to buy her anything. Well, I went out and got the cheapest little gifts I could, just so she could have something from me, and you know, all these years later, even though she's grown now and our situation improved later on, that child considers that one of her more memorable Christmases. Plus, the things that she made me by hand over the years are the things I still have - on the fridge, or on my dresser - and are the things most important to me.

I think it all depends on what you teach your kids, and finally realizing what really is meaningful and makes a difference.