Why We Favor Experiences Over Gifts for Christmas

During the Christmas season, my husband and I prioritize creating memorable experiences for our children rather than overwhelming them with material gifts.

In years past, we've taken festive cruises or visited nearby holiday attractions instead of focusing solely on presents. Each year, our children come to value our time spent together more than what's under the tree.

From Santa's Gifts to Shared Adventures

When our children were younger, the myth of Santa Claus brought magic with an abundance of gifts from both us and the jolly man himself. Despite this, we always emphasized experiences too. When relatives inquired about gift ideas, we suggested things like zoo memberships or cinema tickets that allowed us to spend quality time as a family.

Our approach to gifting evolved as our kids grew older and no longer believed in Santa. While a few presents are still unwrapped on Christmas morning, our focus shifted drastically toward experiences over possessions. Whether it's embarking on a cruise or hitting the road for a short trip, we dedicate the holiday season to building lasting memories together.

Experiences With a Sprinkle of Gifts

Now that our teens are 15 and 17, they anticipate the items on their Christmas lists landing under the tree. Yet, they are equally excited about discovering family experiences. It’s not only the trips that captivate them; creating memories while decorating gingerbread houses or enjoying a local theater production has become just as cherished.

The Wonders of Travel as a Holiday Gift

Travel tops our list of favorite experiences to present to our teens during the holidays. This year, we ventured from our Florida home to New York City, where staying near Central Park, watching Broadway shows nightly, and indulging in iconic NYC delights enriched our holiday.

Previous years have seen us on a Caribbean cruise or a short road trip exploring Miami's wonders. No matter the destination, these journeys cultivate cherished moments of togetherness and impart the value of exploring the world with cherished ones.

Holiday Day Trips: Another Layer of Gifting

Central Florida offers a myriad of exciting day trips that we incorporate as part of the Christmas experience. Traditional annual excursions include attending a Grinch-themed show at Universal Orlando or taking an airboat ride to appreciate Florida's natural settings. Often, our children bring friends or partners, teaching them the significance of shared experiences over tangible gifts.

This sentiment was echoed when my son asked for help in planning to give his girlfriend an experience as a Christmas gift, in line with our family tradition.

Cherishing Togetherness Over the Holidays

Our teens genuinely adore our tradition of prioritizing experiences over material gifts. This practice has amassed a treasured collection of memories and photos over the years and taught them that life is fundamentally about shared experiences with the people they love.

Watching my children unwrap gifts on Christmas morning is as delightful to me as for any parent. Yet, I find joy knowing that we've spent the holidays truly present with one another.