Hopefully they learn an invaluable lesson.

You could be like me - decided to start doing a big trip each year to build memories and spend quality time. This was to replace most of the gifts and we were going to get them each just a few small gifts to open on Christmas morning.... well that lasted until Dec 23 that year, when my wife just couldn't take it and went and bought what essentially equated to the same amount of stuff as they would normally get. She then chastised me for such a dumb idea. Our budget essentially doubled that year - and it's remained that way with the trip plus gifts ever since. I wish she could cut back, but momma bear doesn't spoil them most of the year, so she goes all out. That said, I have absolutely loved the memories we've created with the trips. We've gone places like NYC, SF, tropical destinations (in the air for the Dominican Republic as i write this), cabins, Disneyland and more. We usually go the week between Christmas and New Years, but sometimes later. Anyway, I feel like my idea was genius because it truly does build memories and family relationships....I just wish I'd been art enough to realize the wife can't do Christmas small, budget notwithstanding.

Merry Christmas to all of you!