Trip to Disneyland as Hanukkah gift- help!

[tinkermomma]

I was looking at the beginning of your trip report and it looks like you've done Disney successfully for Hanukkah before... You went right on the holiday though right? I think it's a lovely idea and when it's all said and done they'll love that you did that.

Maybe you can have them pick a souvenir they would like to unwrap during the eight days as well. And I love the memory book idea and thumbs way up on the charity idea. That's three days right there.

 

[rentayenta]

Your kids do not seem ungrateful They are kids.

I didn't read all the post, so hopefully I'm not being completely repititious, but we've had two experiences with this. One year, for Christmas, they got the early gift of going to DL. -we went to DL the 2nd or 3rd week of December. Christmas with no actual presents for them to unwrap was pretty hard on them. My oldest, whom I would have expected to be the most likely to not care, flat out said the she would have preferred presents to unwrap. --It just wasn't Christmas with out them.

The second time we gave DL the trip was in January. So the present they got to unrap was tickets and itiniery. Also, after the first episode, I splurged on some cheap gifts to make sure that they had a few things to unwrap. The second time was pulled off much better. -I think you really gotta talk DH into at least some dollar store prizes.

I was afraid of that. It's been hard enough scaling down the whole Santa thing so I feel your pain. I can see why I should possibly have a nightly little thing to unwrap. I'm also of the mindset of hating to buy just to buy though. DH gets home from Jersey on Tuesday so we'll have to hash it out er...I mean discuss it then. I do love the tickets/itinerary idea. Wish the trip was after Hanukkah.

I was looking at the beginning of your trip report and it looks like you've done Disney successfully for Hanukkah before... You went right on the holiday though right? I think it's a lovely idea and when it's all said and done they'll love that you did that.

Maybe you can have them pick a souvenir they would like to unwrap during the eight days as well. And I love the memory book idea and thumbs way up on the charity idea. That's three days right there.

Originally we were going to go to WDW this December but those plans got changed as DD wants WDW as her bat mitzvah gift and there is no way we could do WDW this December and the following October.

Great idea on the souvenirs. I was planning on giving them $75 each for souvenirs.......

 

[mrswh]

Wouldn't it be equally unfair to the other two to do Disneyland when they prefer more traditional presents?

OP should do what she thinks best, but I think "fair" isn't really the point here. Unless all the kids agree it will be "unfair" to someone. My inclination would be not to do this without buy in from all three kids, but that's just me and my family.

I think we agree that OP shouldn't ask her kids' opinions. But no, IMO it would not be unfair to the other kids to do DLR when they think they'd prefer more traditional presents. I don't think that kids always know what they want, but I'm willing to bet they want family time above all else, whether they know it or not. I remember, as a kid/teen, all the times I whined and moaned and stomped around about having to go here or there with my family rather than be with my friends, and looking back I am so glad my parents did not let me make my own decision. And I intend to torture my own kids in similar fashion.

To the OP, we celebrate Hanukkah, most of our extended family celebrates Christmas. Because we are bothered by the thought of children tearing through large piles of gifts on Christmas morning (and because we don't want to "spoil" them by giving them something from us 8 nights in a row), we spread them out by giving them gifts from family/friends each night of Hanukkah. Not sure if you can do that type of thing - you mentioned they do get some Christmas gifts from others. By the way, I think we all understand that your kids are not greedy - they are kids!!

 

[rentayenta]

To the OP, we celebrate Hanukkah, most of our extended family celebrates Christmas. Because we are bothered by the thought of children tearing through large piles of gifts on Christmas morning (and because we don't want to "spoil" them by giving them something from us 8 nights in a row), we spread them out by giving them gifts from family/friends each night of Hanukkah. Not sure if you can do that type of thing - you mentioned they do get some Christmas gifts from others. By the way, I think we all understand that your kids are not greedy - they are kids!!

They get a gift from their grandparents and aunt but that's about it. They get those on Christmas Eve as that's when we see them. I like the brain storming though and appreciate you taking the time. I agree with not running it by them. They will follow our lead with how it's presented too.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Okay, so...

1. DH says no to any additional gifts at all.
2. The kids will be a little disappointed (but not in an ungrateful sort of way) with nothing to open on Channukah.
3. Other relatives have gifts that the kids will get on Christmas.
4. They get spending money.

Here's my plan:

Surprise them. No voting, etc.... Whenever you decide that you are going to tell them, have a Channukah gift bag. Have something Disney (maps, vouchers, something that is not a gift, but representative of the trip) inside of it. Get the kids to gather around with you and DH. "So, we thought we'd do something a little different this year and have a little part of Channukah early. We are still going to do latkes, menorah-lighting, etc... in two weeks, but --- how about we open gifts early this year?" "YAY!" "Now, as we all know, you get your big gift first, right?" "Right." "Well, this year's gift is soooo amazing, we had to choose between either doing it as all of your gifts, or not doing it at all. We know you are going to love it, so... just keep in mind that this is all eight gifts, rolled into one incredibly amazing gift. Okay?" "Okay!"

- They open gift bag (or maybe one bag each). -

"You're going to Disneyland! Woohoo! Happy early Channukah! Yay! So exciting!"

- jump forward to day (whatever you like) at Disneyland -

"We wanted to give you each $75 to get a souvenir for yourself as an extra Channukah gift. You can pick out one thing or several, but whatever you pick you will get it in two weeks during Channukah." "YAY! We are getting something extra!! Woohoo!"

- jump forward two weeks -

Christmas lands in the middle of Channukah, soooo they will not go the entire eight nights without opening anything. The gifts from the other relatives on Christmas will take care of that.

As for no "post-let-down" during Channukah, a family photo album on night one to remember the fun trip that everyone JUST had - including a picture of them opening their gift bag (s) two weeks prior - as a subtle reminder that there are no gifts to open. Then, on with the latkes, menorah lighting, and talking about the great vacation everyone just had.

Midway through, Christmas with the relatives.

Last night, their souvenir gift that they each picked out at Disneyland. "What a great Channukah! Let's do it again next year!" hehe,

Whatcha think?

As a kid who got the big gift on the last night growing up, we always used to joke about the 1-7 gifts. "Can we just skip them?" "What night's the sweater?" etc.... If your kids are as wonderful as it sounds like they are, they will probably just roll with the no little gifts IF they are able to remember the incredible big gift they already got and the souvenir they got to open two weeks later.

Hope this helps,
Dreams

P.S. Maybe you can also pick up some Channukah/Disney decorative house items that aren't gifts for them, but help add to the spirit of the holiday two weeks after the trip. Would those be able to sneak by under DH's radar? Maybe?

 

[rentayenta]

Okay, so...

1. DH says no to any additional gifts at all.
2. The kids will be a little disappointed (but not in an ungrateful sort of way) with nothing to open on Channukah.
3. Other relatives have gifts that the kids will get on Christmas.
4. They get spending money.

Exactly!

Here's my plan:

Surprise them. No voting, etc.... Whenever you decide that you are going to tell them, have a Channukah gift bag. Have something Disney (maps, vouchers, something that is not a gift, but representative of the trip) inside of it. Get the kids to gather around with you and DH. "So, we thought we'd do something a little different this year and have a little part of Channukah early. We are still going to do latkes, menorah-lighting, etc... in two weeks, but --- how about we open gifts early this year?" "YAY!" "Now, as we all know, you get your big gift first, right?" "Right." "Well, this year's gift is soooo amazing, we had to choose between either doing it as all of your gifts, or not doing it at all. We know you are going to love it, so... just keep in mind that this is all eight gifts, rolled into one incredibly amazing gift. Okay?" "Okay!"

Brilliant! All about presentation.

- They open gift bag (or maybe one bag each). -

"You're going to Disneyland! Woohoo! Happy early Channukah! Yay! So exciting!"

- jump forward to day (whatever you like) at Disneyland -

"We wanted to give you each $75 to get a souvenir for yourself as an extra Channukah gift. You can pick out one thing or several, but whatever you pick you will get it in two weeks during Channukah." "YAY! We are getting something extra!! Woohoo!"

- jump forward two weeks -

Christmas lands in the middle of Channukah, soooo they will not go the entire eight nights without opening anything. The gifts from the other relatives on Christmas will take care of that.

True plus we'll be able to focus more on middle DD's bday as it's the first night of Hanukkah. We could do her party that Friday night 12/23. She likes a nice dinner and movie so we could light the candles etc...and then celebrate her bday.

As for no "post-let-down" during Channukah, a family photo album on night one to remember the fun trip that everyone JUST had - including a picture of them opening their gift bag (s) two weeks prior - as a subtle reminder that there are no gifts to open. Then, on with the latkes, menorah lighting, and talking about the great vacation everyone just had.

Subtle reminder, good, like that!

Midway through, Christmas with the relatives.

Christmas Eve, they'll get 2 gifts each.

Last night, their souvenir gift that they each picked out at Disneyland. "What a great Channukah! Let's do it again next year!" hehe,

Whatcha think?

I think it's fantastic. I appreciate you really thinking this through and for helping me out! I really like it. We'll still do jernysgirl scrapbook idea too.

As a kid who got the big gift on the last night growing up, we always used to joke about the 1-7 gifts. "Can we just skip them?" "What night's the sweater?" etc.... If your kids are as wonderful as it sounds like they are, they will probably just roll with the no little gifts IF they are able to remember the incredible big gift they already got and the souvenir they got to open two weeks later.

Totally my kids. On the 7th night we're down to nail polish, fun socks, and toothbrushes. They aren't super excited.

Hope this helps,
Dreams

P.S. Maybe you can also pick up some Channukah/Disney decorative house items that aren't gifts for them, but help add to the spirit of the holiday two weeks after the trip. Would those be able to sneak by under DH's radar? Maybe?

Sneaking under the radar is my specialty. Or maybe he just doesn't call me on it. Either way, it's doable. You have been such a great help!!!!!

 

[disneymom23]

We celebrate Hanukkah too. For the last couple of years, our November holiday trip is their Hanukkah present. They are fine with that, but they celebrate Christmas too. Kids are kids, and they like presents. I have 2 ideas for you.

1. Instead of giving them each $75, how about giving them each $50. For the other $25, have each child pick a gift for another. They could even give each other a few suggestions of things they'd like - t-shirt, stuffed animal, etc. The buying child could buy the gift and then give it on one of the Hanukah nights. It will be a surprise for the recipient but still something they want.

2. On other nights, you can give experiences that maybe you'd be doing anyways. Last December, we went to see Shrek, the Musical. We were going to see it regardless, but I gave them the tickets on one of the nights. You could do this with movie tickets or gift cards to local restaurants that you would be going to anyways.

 

[rentayenta]

We celebrate Hanukkah too. For the last couple of years, our November holiday trip is their Hanukkah present. They are fine with that, but they celebrate Christmas too. Kids are kids, and they like presents. I have 2 ideas for you.

1. Instead of giving them each $75, how about giving them each $50. For the other $25, have each child pick a gift for another. They could even give each other a few suggestions of things they'd like - t-shirt, stuffed animal, etc. The buying child could buy the gift and then give it on one of the Hanukah nights. It will be a surprise for the recipient but still something they want.[/quote]


This is an amazing idea; very creative and in the giving spirit. I love this!

 

[rentayenta]

Call it divine intervention or luck of the draw...........................So Sunday night we found a stray dog, no collar, scared from the fireworks.

Last night the kids came to me, we already have 2 dogs, and said: we really want to keep this dog. It can be our Hanukkah present. We'd rather keep him than have a bunch of stuff we don't care about. I am totally not kidding. Insightful to say the least.

 

[Mama Who]

How about instead of picking their own souvenir gift having part of their shopping money be to buy one of their siblings a gift? Then everyone still gets to open a surprise.

ETA:
And........... I guess I missed that someone else had posted this already.

 

[mrswh]

Call it divine intervention or luck of the draw...........................So Sunday night we found a stray dog, no collar, scared from the fireworks.

Last night the kids came to me, we already have 2 dogs, and said: we really want to keep this dog. It can be our Hanukkah present. We'd rather keep him than have a bunch of stuff we don't care about. I am totally not kidding. Insightful to say the least.

That's when you say, well, okaaaay, I GUESS we can keep him, but your Hanukkah gift was going to be a trip to Disneyland . . .

 

[rentayenta]

That's when you say, well, okaaaay, I GUESS we can keep him, but your Hanukkah gift was going to be a trip to Disneyland . . .

Thank goodness I found the dogs owner this morning.

 

[rentayenta]

How about instead of picking their own souvenir gift having part of their shopping money be to buy one of their siblings a gift? Then everyone still gets to open a surprise.

ETA:
And........... I guess I missed that someone else had posted this already.

Great minds think alike.