Just four years ago my son and his best friend sat on Santa's lap and asked jolly old St. Nick for hand sanitizer and garbage for Christmas. As parents we were embarrassed by our children's odd requests, but touched by their innocence. Oh how we look back fondly on those days! What are the little ones asking for this year? Expensive video game systems, a real automobile, and a butler. What happened?
Is Your Child's Christmas List Too Long? Here's How to Keep Your Kids In Check
Ask your child to make a list of six things they really want for Christmas, and then give them five items from their list. This prevents children from feeling entitled. Remember, a child that has everything in life, has nothing to strive for.
Let Kids Know that if Santa Gives Them Too Many Toys, He Won't Have Enough Toys For Other Children
One mom told me her son listed a new Xbox One on his Christmas list. He already had an Xbox, but he wanted to upgrade his expensive gaming system that isn't even a year old. She told him, "Santa cannot give you a newer Xbox, there are many children without game consoles, and he has to take care of them first." This strategy worked, and her child reflected, and thought of other children.
Check out Portable North Pole an online platform that sends Free personalized messages from Santa and his elves to your child. Santa will say your child's name, and open his book to show your child's picture. For a small fee, you can create a more detailed message. Santa can tell your child to clean their room, or eat their vegetables. He can also break the news if a gift is too pricey.
Eye Opener
Participate in the U.S. Post Office's Operation Santa program with your children and answer real letters written to Santa by children in need. You will be surprised to find out that most of the children's letters ask for basic things, not elaborate gifts. Answering Santa mail teaches kids empathy, gratitude, and humility.
Elfster
Shopping Help
If you don't know where to shop, and you're short on time try Elfster a FREE gift exchange website to make gift-giving easier. Elfster's Secret Santa Generator makes Christmas, holidays and other gift exchanges free, easy, and fun! Visit: https://www.elfster.com/shop/gift-guides/65/
The holidays are about family, friends, and a spiritual time for those who worship. Children naturally are the most excited about presents, and even adults can get caught up in the frenzy. I just reiterate daily to my child that the most important gifts are health, family, and that we're all together. Christmas can live every day in our hearts!
