It sounds like you and your husband have developed a thoughtful approach to gift-giving that aligns with your family's values and priorities. Many couples share similar sentiments, especially when it comes to balancing personal celebrations with family responsibilities and experiences.

The idea of not exchanging gifts on your shared birthday is quite practical. Since you both celebrate on the same day, it can feel redundant to buy gifts for each other. Instead, you might choose to celebrate together in other meaningful ways, such as enjoying a special meal or engaging in an activity you both love. For example, planning a joint birthday outing to a favorite restaurant or spending the day doing an activity you both enjoy can make the day feel special without the need for physical gifts.

Regarding Christmas, focusing on family experiences rather than material gifts is a growing trend among families. Many parents are choosing to create lasting memories through experiences rather than accumulating more toys or gifts, especially when children are young. Activities like road trips, attending holiday events, and decorating together foster family bonding and create cherished memories. For instance, you could consider planning a visit to a local Christmas festival or going ice skating as a family, which can be just as fulfilling, if not more so, than exchanging gifts.

Having children born in December and January indeed adds to the complexity of the holiday season, and your approach helps simplify it. By prioritizing experiences over gifts, you can reduce stress and focus on what truly matters—creating joyful moments with your family. Some families even establish traditions that involve charitable giving or volunteering during the holidays, which can instill values of generosity and gratitude in children.

As for purchasing gifts on occasions like Mother’s and Father’s Day, this practice is quite common. Many couples find that specific holidays dedicated to parents provide a perfect opportunity to express appreciation and love through thoughtful gifts. Additionally, surprising each other with gifts throughout the year when a need arises or when something special catches your eye is a wonderful way to show you care without the pressure of obligatory gift-giving.

In conclusion, your approach to gift-giving is not unusual at all. Many couples and families are moving towards experiences over material gifts, especially when trying to navigate busy holiday seasons and the challenges of parenting. The key is to find what works best for your family and to continue nurturing those traditions that bring you closer together.