'Moms Talk' Q & A: What are Gift-Giving Holidays?

Each week the council will answer a question on parenthood posed to them by readers or another member of council.

This week, the Mom Council discusses occasions when children should receive gifts.

This question came to me with Halloween approaching. My wife always puts together a bag of presents – not just candy, mind you – for our nieces.

From what I can tell, that's not uncommon. And Easter, another holiday that was about candy when I was growing up, seems to be another source of gift-giving, on top of the candy.

Then there are also the birthdays when all siblings are given gifts so they don't feel left out. I know that happens as well. So, I wondered what parents have to say about this subject.

Kim Zannetti: It seems like some parents give gifts for every little thing. Personally, I think it is out of control and diminishes the meaning of some holidays. When I was a kid, Halloween was a time to go trick or treating with your friends, have cider and donuts afterward with the neighborhood, and trade your candy in school the next day.

I just wonder what we are teaching our kids. As they grow into adulthood, what we they be expecting, and will they be let down? Birthdays and Christmas are the gift giving holidays at our house. I know we are in the minority though.