After years of research, I’ve found that three Christmas gifts is exactly the number they need to feel like they’ve scored some serious loot while still being invested in every single item they receive. More than three, and their eyes start glazing over . . . It becomes an unfulfilling game of quantity over quality.

Although such efforts did contribute to the magnitude of the ritual, the practice of buying Christmas presents for children predates the spread of corporate capitalism in the United States: It began during the first half of the 1800s, particularly in New York City, and was part of a broader transformation of Christmas …

2. Though Santa can bring all the presents. “Presents are from Mummy and Daddy and stockings are from Father Christmas – but he brings everything,” Rebecca C in our MadeForMums Facebook community tells us. Otherwise, the presents will be to the good children instead.

The National Retail Federation’s annual survey of holiday spending estimates the typical American will spend $659 on gifts for family, friends, and co-workers in 2019. On the high end, Gallup puts the average at $942, with more than a third of respondents expecting to spend over $1,000 on gifts.

For sisters, brothers, and cousins—upwards of $25. For grandchildren, nieces, or nephews—13 and under, $25 to $50; age 14 and up, $50 to $75. For sons and daughters–$50 to $100. For parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles—gifting $50 to $100 can help many older relatives with the purchase of medicines or groceries.

Americans plan to spend $997.79 on holiday purchases for themselves and their families this year. That’s down from last year’s $1,048, but it’s still a big chunk of change. Yeah, Christmas can get expensive. But remember: Those are averages based on what the average American plans to spend.