Christmas Gifts And Bonuses

[DCMom]

Blackcat, well said.

I feel appreciated every single day. I am blessed to have my families ~ they pay on time, pick up/drop off on time, rarely bring a sick child, don't begrudge me my time off, refer me to their friends ~ anything else I receive on top of that is truly a bonus.

I do give them and the kids Christmas gifts, not because I expect something in return, but because I really love to do those kinds of things. It brings me happiness to help the kids make their gift for mom and dad. It makes me happy to give 'client gifts' ~ they need to know that I appreciate them as much as they appreciate me. It's a two way street, kwim?

[frgsonmysox]

I try to teach my kids that getting gifts is not what should be expected - EVER.

To complain about what I get or don't get would completely fly in the face of that. If I ever get a gift from anyone, I am appreciative. I don't care how small it may seem to you (or me), it might have been that persons last $5/$10 or $15. The person who complained for getting $20 giftcards? Seriously? When we bought our kids teachers gifts we could only afford a $25 gift card each. Not everyone has a couple hundred dollars lying around.

[Christian Mother]

I've only been in business for 3 yrs now and some times I get a gift sometimes i don't and I don't mind at all. For me, I live to make things for the parents and seeing the kids enjoying making and giving. It's the same way when my children make something for me...they spend so much time at school making it their dying to have me open it even before xmas. That is what Christmas is all about to me...the giving part. I don't care if I get a gift or not. My daughters school send memo's out letting us know if we wanted to gift our teachers this yr there was a list of much need class items and that would make their day. I thought that was really nice and not tacky at all. It didn't make it seem like I HAD to buy a gift either. If a parent gave me a regift gift..I would happy except it. I could put it to use..I could find a use for it. You will if your not making ends meet and funds are very low. Anything is something. Not trying to make you feel bad but "The gift of giving" is precious. Thank those that give and mean it.

[kendallina]

I don't understand expecting anything for Christmas from daycare families. I'm not saying that I don't secretly hope for small gifts (I LOVE me a starbucks giftcard!), but seriously, to complain about gifts that you receive. I just don't understand it.

[MommyofThree]

I think it is the thought that counts. I think it is rude to ask for anything and I think it is rude to not be appreciative of what you are given.

I could imagine what the responses would be like here if this was a child we were talking about.

You are 100 % right!!!!!!!!!!!! Where is the love it button.happyface.

Im sorry but, yes it is the thought that counts and you sound ungrateful and very rude

[MommyofThree]

At what point did society become so entitled that people are complaining about GIFTS?

You my dear are 100 % right as well as crystal. Christmas is NOT about gifts but about jesus!!!!!!!! It seems like nobody cares about the true meaning of CHRISTMAS

[themoorethemerrier]

I was thinking along the same lines as this. Though I'd appreciate just about any gift that they gave, I'd love to be able tell them or for them to know that it's well-loved and used regularly.

My daughter's preschool teacher sent this note home a couple of weeks before Christmas. I thought it was worded very nicely.

"In the past, some of the preschool children have generously provided gifts for their preschool teacher and para-educator. In lieu of personal Christmas gifts, we would like to recommend some items for the classroom that the children would enjoy. Please know that gifts are not necessary but if you were planning to purchase a gift, here are some suggestions:" Followed by a list of items.

[mac60]

I work for educated, career orientated parents. They all live in nice homes, drive nice cars and have great jobs.

Why is it every year they regift things to me?! I get stuck with rotten candles, bath beads, and lotions.

I got a gift from a family yesterday. It was a 3 in 1 blanket. REALLY?! I don't mean to be rude but why spend $35 on a blanket that I don't really need or want? I'd much rather get nothing at all or a nice note than for a parent to give me a bunch of unwanted things. Or, I'd rather they make a donation to the daycare and bring in a bunch of supplies if they don't want to give me money or a gift card.

I know money and gift cards seem impersonal but I'd much rather get a gift card to go out to dinner than have to cook. That's the best gift of all!

Would it be improper of me to pass out a list of items needed for the daycare next year asking that they supply some boxes of tissues, craft supplies, lysol, toilet paper, etc rather than buying me gifts?

_____________________________________________________

I totally understand how you feel. While Christmas is the celebration of Jesus, it too is a celebration and a time to thank, express gratitude, show you care, show you love and appreciate, etc, etc, those people in our lives that we care about, make our lives easier, are a part of our daily life, a time to show appreciation. It is a time to do a little something extra for that "special" person in your and your families life. I personally think some of the comments left here are kind of cold. It is nice to give a gift to the provider, (I did this for over 8 years when my own kids were in childcare) a gift that comes with thought, care and consideration of the provider. That in itself shows appreciation. Giving a gift has been around at Christmas for a lot of years....

Even with my family struggling extensively this past 2 years due to job loss, I managed to buy a nice gift for every day care child and I put thought behind it. There is a saying that seems to apply to people more and more......The more you have the less you give. I would much rather be on the "I have less and give more end" than the I have it all, including the nice house, nice cars, good paying steady income, and be the parent that puts little thought or no thought into the showing appreciation and thanks to their daycare provider. Or the parent who gives nothing to their provider of 9 years.

So original poster, you are not wrong in feeling these thoughts, they are true feelings.

[countrymom]

Blackcat, well said.

I feel appreciated every single day. I am blessed to have my families ~ they pay on time, pick up/drop off on time, rarely bring a sick child, don't begrudge me my time off, refer me to their friends ~ anything else I receive on top of that is truly a bonus.

I do give them and the kids Christmas gifts, not because I expect something in return, but because I really love to do those kinds of things. It brings me happiness to help the kids make their gift for mom and dad. It makes me happy to give 'client gifts' ~ they need to know that I appreciate them as much as they appreciate me. It's a two way street, kwim?

I agree!!!

[SilverSabre25]

You my dear are 100 % right as well as crystal. Christmas is NOT about gifts but about jesus!!!!!!!! It seems like nobody cares about the true meaning of CHRISTMAS

Not to start a religious debate but.......(flame suit on)...

Do you not give any gifts, receive any gifts, bake any cookies or other treats, decorate with anything but a nativity scene, watch any holiday specials, etc? Do YOU spend the entire season immersed in a reverent celebration of Jesus' birth, with NO secular cares whatsoever?

I'm sorry, but there are SO MANY different celebrations from around the world that occur during this time, that I still can't get my mind around this insistence that Jesus is the "reason for the season" (and I hate that phrase, it takes a lot of effort to type it). The Roman Saturnalia and the religious persecution of early Christians is the actual "reason" for the season.

In our modern world there are as many different meanings for this time of year as there are religions in the world. Almost every culture or religion has a major celebration right now, around the solstice. They differ greatly, but most are very similar in theme--a celebration of life, love, light, happiness, and warmth. Really, when you boil it down, that's what even the Christmas story of Jesus' birth boils down to. THAT is the meaning of the season, thank you very much.

Go ahead; I'm ready for a good char-broiling.

[mac60]

Totally agree with you, as I said in my previous post....."While Christmas is the celebration of Jesus, it too is a celebration and a time to thank, express gratitude, show you care, show you love and appreciate, etc, etc, those people in our lives that we care about, make our lives easier, are a part of our daily life, a time to show appreciation. It is a time to do a little something extra for that "special" person in your and your families life. ".

[Blackcat31]

..... and adding to Silver's post, just because someone is a christian doesnt mean everyone is and for some people Christmas IS nothing more than a commercial holiday. Which is their right to participate in without being condemned for "doing it wrong". To each his/her own. I do what is right for MY family and allow others the same right WITH respect.

[KEG123]

Not to start a religious debate but.......(flame suit on)...

Do you not give any gifts, receive any gifts, bake any cookies or other treats, decorate with anything but a nativity scene, watch any holiday specials, etc? Do YOU spend the entire season immersed in a reverent celebration of Jesus' birth, with NO secular cares whatsoever?

I'm sorry, but there are SO MANY different celebrations from around the world that occur during this time, that I still can't get my mind around this insistence that Jesus is the "reason for the season" (and I hate that phrase, it takes a lot of effort to type it). The Roman Saturnalia and the religious persecution of early Christians is the actual "reason" for the season.

In our modern world there are as many different meanings for this time of year as there are religions in the world. Almost every culture or religion has a major celebration right now, around the solstice. They differ greatly, but most are very similar in theme--a celebration of life, love, light, happiness, and warmth. Really, when you boil it down, that's what even the Christmas story of Jesus' birth boils down to. THAT is the meaning of the season, thank you very much.

Go ahead; I'm ready for a good char-broiling.

No charbroiling here! I lovethis

[frgsonmysox]

Thank you!! I wanted to say something but I couldn't. I'm pagan and my husband is an atheist, we celebrate Yule/Christmas even though we aren't Christian. Christmas is about so much more than THAT, especially when Jesus was though to be born in the Spring, and the Christians "stole" the Christmas traditions from the Pagans.

[Zoe]

Not to start a religious debate but.......(flame suit on)...

Do you not give any gifts, receive any gifts, bake any cookies or other treats, decorate with anything but a nativity scene, watch any holiday specials, etc? Do YOU spend the entire season immersed in a reverent celebration of Jesus' birth, with NO secular cares whatsoever?

I'm sorry, but there are SO MANY different celebrations from around the world that occur during this time, that I still can't get my mind around this insistence that Jesus is the "reason for the season" (and I hate that phrase, it takes a lot of effort to type it). The Roman Saturnalia and the religious persecution of early Christians is the actual "reason" for the season.

In our modern world there are as many different meanings for this time of year as there are religions in the world. Almost every culture or religion has a major celebration right now, around the solstice. They differ greatly, but most are very similar in theme--a celebration of life, love, light, happiness, and warmth. Really, when you boil it down, that's what even the Christmas story of Jesus' birth boils down to. THAT is the meaning of the season, thank you very much.

Go ahead; I'm ready for a good char-broiling.

Thank you!