The build-up to religious holidays like Christmas and Easter can feel like a battle against a tide of consumerism. From the moment the first decorations appear, children are bombarded with adverts for the latest toys, and the pressure mounts on parents and carers to deliver a mountain of expensive gifts. It can feel as though the whole point of the season has been lost. However, it is entirely possible to reclaim these special times, pushing back against the spending frenzy to focus instead on what truly matters: faith, family, and connection.
Set the Scene Together
A great starting point is to simply talk. Ask your children what they think the holiday is all about. Their answers, shaped by school, friends, and media, might surprise you. This opens the door for you to share what the celebration means to your family, whether that’s centred on the religious story, the importance of being together, or the simple joy of a shared break. For carers fostering with Fostering People, this chat is crucial. A looked-after child may have confusing or even unhappy memories associated with festive periods, so creating a new, shared understanding helps everyone get on the same page. It’s also the right time to be open about money. Explaining that the family has a budget for presents isn’t about spoiling the fun; it’s about teaching a realistic and healthy approach to spending.
Make Memories, Not Just Purchases
The most powerful antidote to commercialism is to create your own family rituals that are based on experiences. These are the things children will recall fondly years later, long after the toys have been broken or forgotten. Why not find a local cause to support together, like packing hampers at a food bank or visiting an elderly neighbour? You could dedicate an afternoon to a big, festive bake-off or get messy making your own salt-dough decorations. When faith is a big part of your family life, you can make the old stories feel new again. Try reading them out loud with just candles for light, go to a carol service, or have a laugh putting together a chaotic nativity play in the living room. It’s doing things like this that pulls everyone together and creates a special feeling that simply can’t be bought.
Rethink Presents
Nobody is saying you have to get rid of presents entirely, just rethink them. A handy rule of thumb some parents use is the ‘four-gift’ idea: one thing they want, one they need, one to wear, and one to read. It’s a straightforward way to stop things from getting out of hand. You could also swap a physical gift for a day out. Planning a trip to the panto, a fun day at the beach, or even a night camping in the garden can be more memorable than the latest bit of tech. You can also encourage a culture of homemade gifts. A hand-painted mug or a heartfelt, handwritten card teaches children that the real value of a present lies in the thought and effort behind it, not the price tag.
Pulling your family back from the constant pressure to buy things takes a bit of work, but it’s worth it. When you make time to talk, start your own little traditions, and think differently about gifts, you’ll find the whole celebration feels warmer and more connected. Your family will learn that the best part of the day is who is around them, not just what’s in the boxes.