If children don't have a specific wish, a bank note sometimes ends up under the Christmas tree. You can read about when it's better not to do that and when it might even be a really good idea.
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There was never any money under the Christmas tree at home. Not even when my sister and I grew up and finally moved out. According to my parents, gifts of money have no place at Christmas.
I can fully understand the meaning behind it. After all, Christmas is more about giving the gift of concrete joy or fulfilling a (big) wish than about simply giving a gift.
But what do you do if your teenage child doesn't want anything and you have absolutely no idea what to give? After all, no one wants to give something completely meaningless, but no one wants to give nothing at all either.
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Cash gifts, yes, but…
Whether or not to give money gifts at Christmas is a hotly debated topic in many families every year. We thought about it a few times.
Advantages of a cash Christmas present
The biggest advantage of a banknote under the Christmas tree is probably obvious. Because the child receiving the gift can use it to buy something they really want. In a certain way, a gift of money can also contribute to children's financial education and personal responsibility.
Especially if the child has a really big wish, such as a new bicycle or a games console, a gift of money can help them reach their savings goal more quickly.
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Disadvantages of a cash Christmas present
With a gift of money you also make it very easy. Of course, if a teenager would rather have a note instead of a specific gift, then the wish can of course be fulfilled. But if you give the note just because you couldn't think of anything else, it's very impersonal and can give the recipient the feeling that the giver didn't want to worry.
This can greatly reduce the emotional value that Christmas presents in particular have. That's why: If you're giving a gift of money, please don't just put it in an envelope and give it away. A personal card is the minimum amount of effort you should make. Of course, more is always possible. There are no limits to creativity when it comes to gifts of money, even at Christmas.
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Find the balance
The magic of Christmas also lives from the element of surprise. About funny, beautiful or funny little things that you chose for someone else. The value of Christmas gifts lies more in the feelings and emotions people feel when unwrapping them than in their material value.
In addition, no one really wants to know what he or she will get for Christmas, everyone wants to be surprised.
The best approach to giving cash gifts is therefore to find a balance between cash and personal gifts. This makes it possible to meet the children's wishes but also to emphasize the importance of giving and receiving.
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Age-appropriate gifts
A small mini-survey in the editorial team showed that for many people the age of the child plays a role in answering the question of whether or not to give away money at Christmas.
According to the prevailing opinion, the older the children, the easier it is to give money away. From the age of 14, 15, 16, children are old enough to appreciate the value of money. On the other hand, children of this age often have bigger or more expensive wishes. Many parents cannot and do not want to fulfill these requirements at Christmas.
In order not to ignore the wish completely, you can put a note under the tree and help your child finance the wish.
The type of gifts should always be age-appropriate. Younger children do not understand monetary gifts and have little use for them.
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Conclusion about money under the Christmas tree
Overall, there is no “right” or “wrong” when it comes to whether or not to give children money for Christmas. It depends on each family's individual circumstances and preferences. It is important that Christmas gifts are chosen carefully and help maintain the joy and magic of Christmas.
