Author: Britanny Holand
No one can deny that Christmas gifts play a significant part in celebrating the holidays. While that special time of the year is mostly about celebration and happiness, it is no secret that there is stress when it comes to gift-giving. The thought of giving a Christmas gift that your loved ones will not like is somewhat of a struggle. For some people, gift-giving is the primary budget buster.
Kids are the ones who are the most excited about Christmas and gifts. What makes the gift-giving idea stressful is that there is the fear of disappointing them when they are really looking forward to their gifts. That is precisely what worries most parents because it is always their intention and greatest joy to show their love for their children at Christmas through gifts.
Change Christmas this year by teaching children how to set more realistic expectations. Suppose you also experienced the same struggle before with pleasing your children. In that case, this guide will help you achieve a genuinely joyful and merrier celebration of Christmas without the fear of disappointment.
6 Best Strategies to Help Children Keep Realistic Christmas Gifts Expectations
Celebrating Christmas without children being disappointed with their gifts is highly possible with proper preparation. Here are the things you can do:
1. Discuss the meaning of Christmas gifts.
Regardless of religion, Christmas is about giving, gratitude, and love. There is always the spirit of the holiday season. Hence, you can start by discussing with your children what makes Christmas special and the gifts that complete the holiday feel. Say that memorable gifts—even being simple—are better than extravagant presents.
Simply put, teach your children about appreciation for meaningful and simple presents. Have an open conversation so it won’t feel like you are pushing the idea of being simple. Answering their questions while teaching them to budget might be effective because children are always curious.
2. Talk to children about Santa.
Bringing up Santa as the topic might be a tough one. After all, Santa has become a great and famous symbol of Christmas as the one giving gifts to children. You can expect that your children might open up the idea of why Santa gives better gifts to other children. In that case, you can explain that the love of Santa is equal for all, regardless of the gifts each child receives.
Surely, there’s no need to ruin the image of Santa and be realistic about everything. Children will learn that sooner so just focus on your initial goal of teaching them how to set realistic expectations for Christmas gifts.
3. Communicate with your children about that gift they expect.
You can always know what your children like by just talking and spending time with them. Little talk can give you a clue of what they like and need. So, always talk with your children to be aware of that information. That way, you can also start creating a budget.
4. Visit a homeless shelter with your children.
A practical and wisest way to help your children be more realistic with Christmas gift expectations is to visit a homeless shelter with them. Children might not realize how lucky they are because they see more children who have more than they have. When they see the situation in a homeless shelter, they can open their eyes to reality.
Of course, when you visit the homeless shelter, explain to your children things they should know based on their questions. Also, help them learn to be appreciative of what they receive.
5. Shift the focus from receiving to giving.
When you visit a homeless shelter, you can also start shifting the focus on your children from receiving to giving. You can help them reflect that they can also be a giver, even a receiver. Teach your child to also learn how to be more excited when it comes to giving presents to their loved ones.
6. Make the day special.
Besides Christmas gifts, other things can make the day special, such as food to enjoy. If you are not focused on the presents, having a joyful Christmas with the whole family and other loved ones is more effortless. You know your children, so you are the best person to know how to make the day extra special.
Takeaway
Aside from all the talks, you can also be an example for your children. You can always show how to be appreciative of little things. Your children will follow you. Indeed, even with simple presents, every Christmas can be memorable. Just try to be genuine with your children and give gifts that your loved ones can actually use and enjoy.
Hopefully, the strategies above can help you have a merrier Christmas.