How much is enough?

As you may or may not know, I have 5 sons, ranging in age from almost 10 years to 7 months old.  As you can imagine we have every boy-type toy on Earth.  I often look at this huge mound of stuff and wonder when the last time was that any of it was actually played with.

When each birthday and Christmas came around I found myself unable to think of a gift to buy that we didn't already have somewhere in one of the many, many toy boxes.  One day, it occurred to me that the word birthday, should not have to equate with "give me lots of things"!  I decided that I was not going to buy my children birthday presents anymore.  I told them that instead of presents we would do something, of their choice (within reason), as a family, to celebrate their birthday.

I had a conversation with my boys about how much we have; in comparison to how little, others around the world have.  They have a fairly good understanding of this, because the boy's school participates in providing fund-raising for Tanzania.  To my surprise, the boys actually embraced the idea, but I was still dubious as to how they would react in practice

 My oldest son's 8th birthday was the first test, and I watched his face as I handed him only a birthday card.  Amazingly, there was no flicker of disappointment, and he thanked me for his card. (We were in Sydney on a well-timed 3-day holiday which I believe made it a little easier!)  It was a great example for his brothers, and we have had quite a few birthdays since then; all present free!

We still celebrate Christmas with gifts and they do receive birthday presents from Grandparents, but the boys all know that birthday does not equal gifts from Mum and Dad.  When I tell others about our tradition I am met with incredulous looks.  I feel brave doing this because it really is anti-conformity.  My husband and I don't give gifts to each other either; not for birthdays, anniversaries or Christmas.  I have to say though, the odd bunch of flowers is nice!

Our boys want for nothing, and missing out on moulded plastic and metal on their birthday is not going to do them any harm and I am hoping it will teach them a little about excessivity.  Maybe.