Halloween is just about two weeks away and then the hustle and bustle of Christmas will be upon us. Christmas in our house is kind of tricky because it’s right after Charlotte’s birthday and right before Liam’s. So presents are basically coming in for months and the clutter and toys become ridiculous. This year I am trying a want, a need, a wear, and a read for our kids for Christmas and I wanted to share a bit about it and why I have chosen to adopt that.
A Want, A Need, A Wear, and A Read (And Why I’m Adopting This Concept For Christmas)
What it is:
The concept is very simple. The only Christmas gifts they would get are something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. This may sound really cheap but it’s not the money at all. It’s the amount of items. For Liam’s want, it’s a new Kaleidoscope, his need is a new scooter, his wear is some new shoes, and his read is a few of his favorite Ninja books. For Charlotte her want is Cocomelon toys, her need is new sneakers, her wear is nutcracker pajamas, and her read are some ballet books! They will still get gifts from aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc. So trust me they won’t be lacking.
Why we are doing it:
I mentioned above that their birthdays are also right around the holidays so between birthday parties and Christmas they get SO MUCH stuff! My kids also have the hardest time letting toys go. We are doing a major purge before the holidays. I also really want to put focus more on experiences over things. We plan to do ISR swim lessons for both kids this next summer and they are very expensive. So that’s something we brought up to grandparents to gift instead of toys. We also want the kids to understand that less is more. With fewer toys, they have to learn more creativity. We also really want them to play outside more. None of these are brand-new concepts. But after 5 years of excessive Christmases, I finally had to do something different.
I will definitely do a follow-up and let you all know how it went and if it’s something we will continue in the future.
Have you ever done a want, a need, a wear, and a read?
We have also looked for ways to be creative with gift giving, and to limit presents because we already have so much stuff in our home! I like your idea, it’s a good move.
This is actually a cool concept and helps to get things that are helpful and worth a long time. A lot of people getting useless things for Christmas or things don’t last for a while.
That is such an interesting concept and to be honest, we need to purge some items the kids have since they are becoming a lot to handle and store. Will definitely try this at Christmas, such a cute idea.
This is very similar to how I like to Christmas shop as well. It keeps things simple & prevents you from over shopping.
I think this is such a fantastic idea! I love that feel of getting back to basics.
I think this is such a great way to get back to what’s really important about the season. Fantastic idea!
Hmm, this is interesting. I am following up on this. Especially now with the cost of living crisis. This is a brilliant thing to do.
We have also looked for ways to be creative with gift giving, and to limit presents because we already have so much stuff in our home! I like your idea, it’s a good move.
This is actually a cool concept and helps to get things that are helpful and worth a long time. A lot of people getting useless things for Christmas or things don’t last for a while.
I think this is such a great idea! You’re still getting them gifts they’ll enjoy, and it definitely simplifies things!
Make Life Marvelous
This is something to look forward to especially since everything is increasing except for my daily wage.
I really like this concept and may be something that i wanna try out for christmas! All of these things, im sure to enjoy!
That is such an interesting concept and to be honest, we need to purge some items the kids have since they are becoming a lot to handle and store. Will definitely try this at Christmas, such a cute idea.
Great post