Relative is trying to severely limit Christmas gift giving to the extended family’s kids. Using an anti-materialist, trying no to spoil them, teach them values argument - that I find sanctimonious and obnoxious (though she is just proposing it, not demanding it). I expect that I will get hammered by folks who feel the same way about X-Mas and I don’t say that she doesn’t have a point… Which makes it all the harder for me to argue against it by being all about materialism, spoiling kids and being anti-values if you follow.
Having said all that, My GQ is:
Are there any studies or articles written by reasonable AUTHORITIES that show a positive effect on kids receiving gifts? Anything to hang my argument on besides sounding like a indulgent (and indolent) Santa?