I agree with Rhu. It is not a bad thing for kids not to have absolutely everything that they want. When they do get everything, it makes for spoiled children who expect their food already cooked and chewed for them.

My parents were never rich and could not afford expensive or lavish gifts yet I don't recall ever being disappointed with any Christmas gift. Christmas has always been such a hubbub in our family. Before I picked up the torch, the réveillon was held at my mom and dad’s house. In their small apartment (two bedrooms, a kitchen and a living room) there would be some 25 or 30 people singing away, playing the guitar, mouth organ or accordion, with many a toast raised to friends and family. The festive air always made everything so magical. The gifts were secondary the family reunion was the thing.