C.K.
Hi J.,
I am a mom of 7 all grown and now we have grandkids!
(When did that happen???) Anyway, I would suggest cutting back on what you are giving in the name of the bunny and Santa, etc. We did and it worked/works so well!
Their peer group doesn't believe either and we parents love the fun of it so we tend to go a bit overboard.
I would not dispell the myth....they already know.
You and your hubby control your budget so cut back! :-) The first year is hard because you are breaking a habit but it gets easier and you spend more time finding a quality, memorable gift that means something.
You are also setting an example for their adult years now so getting in the habit of setting a reasonable budget for gifts is a good thing.
Our budget is $50 per adult kid and spouse. We kind of spoil the grand kids and do $75. Friends of the adult kid who would be here to share the holiday get a nice $20-$25 gift.
My husband's family (sis, parents, etc) focus on the under 18 group and the rest of us exchange home made goodies, cook books, kitchen stuff, books, etc.
After all the focus for the holidays is getting together with family and enjoying one another. That does not mean "getting" but for kids, it could mean "giving".
Another thing we do at Christmas, we find a needy family. Churches have that information and love the help! We give the kids money, usually $25-$50 depending and involve them in the shopping and wrapping. It is a wonderful experience and we also tell them they are old enough to play Santa for a family who needs the hope and promise of Christmas.
The bunny is easy to cut back on.
It's candy and junky gifts, pardon me!
This Easter my daughter gave her daughter a basket with a kite, a few plastic filled eggs, some "specialty" kind of bubbles and a few little nail polishes. She was thrilled with it and had a blast with everything. Her dad took her to the park and they tried to fly the kite. (No wind) Most important...dad spent time with her. That is the best gift!
They also hid eggs for the kids to find. They know there is not bunny but they had so much fun. We ate the eggs later and the kids had candy and that's it...
I hope this helps in a small way.
good luck~
C.