That Christmas, I realized that I had been operating in my own adult story of what Christmas should look and feel like. In doing so, I had gone well beyond what my children wanted, needed and expected.  I knew I needed to reel my Christmas “parentzilla” persona back in and check my well-meaning but ill-fated intentions at the door.  I knew my kids enjoyed all of the fanfare that was generated for the holidays.  But what I didn’t know was how much they appreciated the special family time and traditions more than the gifts and toys they received. My kids also made me realize that all of our family traditions and the meaning behind them would begin to get tainted if I didn’t take heed to the lesson they were unknowingly teaching me and change my perceptions and adjust my behavior.

Listed below are (10) signs that Christmas has become more about your ego rather than the reason for the season.

• Buying toys, clothes, and electronics that your kids didn’t ask for just so you can rattle off a long laundry list of items to family members, friends and co-workers.
• Purchasing an excessive number of gifts so that your tree is filled with packages.
• Purchasing really expensive gifts so that you can be praised for the types of gifts you give.
• Finding clothing with price tags still on them and toys still in the box from the previous Christmas while spring cleaning.
• Adding items to your children’s list in order to keep up with the Jones.’
• Struggling to come up with gifts ideas for your kids because they already have everything.
• Finding more meaning and joy in recognition and praise from others than spending time with family.
• Becoming overly anxious and stressed about planning for the holidays because you’re trying to live up to what you think others expect and respect.
• Buying into the belief that your friends and family will think less of you if you don’t purchase gifts for them.
• Using social media as your personal infomercial to post every gift purchased, stocking hung, and turkey stuffed to show yourself approved through LIKES.

Parents, there are so many things that you can do with your kids that extend beyond gift giving for Christmas. Create lifelong memories by starting your own family traditions and being a gift to others by helping those that are less fortunate. Parents take the litmus test above. If you find that you are exhibiting these behaviors, check your ego at the door then refocus your heart and repurpose your intentions.  Have you become a Christmas egomaniac?

BMWK, Are you a “Parentzilla” when it comes to Christmas?