What NOT to give your kids this Christmas
Forgotten gifts fill our children’s toy boxes. Many of the gifts we give our children are played with on Christmas Day, then set aside to be remembered no more. Granted, some gifts stand the test of time—that Sesame Street Elmo your little son wants, then sleeps with every night, or the tiara and princess outfit your angel daughter wears every day. These are gifts they will remember for a lifetime.
The media sends the message that happiness means having certain toys with so many pieces that they get lost, or toys that require so much assembly parents force themselves to stay up all night Christmas Eve putting them together. Parents may even discover that with so many presents under the tree, their child opens the first gift, then plays with it alone, uninterested in the others still wrapped. Or, each child will go under the tree, count the presents, section his or hers on a spot on the floor, then get upset if someone in the family has more. I saw this when my children were small. It made me rethink all the money I spent on them and wonder whether I should have been more selective and not simply followed the ads and bought the most popular items. I camped out one time to get my son the latest electronic gadget, which I can’t even remember anymore, and he ended up selling it online later.
There has to be a better way.
One want, one need, one to wear, one to read—this concept rings with promise. As you know your child better than anyone does, a little of your creativity and insight can make this approach to gift-giving a successful one.
Another option is giving experiences. For example, package a day trip to the zoo or local escape room in a creative way, such as tickets to the zoo inside an animal-shaped backpack, or an escape room date recorded in a neat journal.
Or, for the entire family, a tent is a great gift to place under the tree. Your children will wonder what the large package is, and you can all open it. Inside, place items such as flashlights, thermoses, raincoats, fishing rods and Jiffy Pop popcorn, then announce you are all going camping together on a certain day.
Buying everything on your children’s Christmas wish list is impossible, plus your kiddos often don’t really want all those things. You don’t have to buy them every single item they want.
Guilt and depression make a lot of appearances this time of year. Marketing and media have fed our kids the lie they can have and deserve everything they ask for, and when we can’t or won’t give it, we feel guilty. There should be no room for guilt—especially this time of year. Giving your best and doing your best have nothing to do with “stuff.”
One mom I know says she simply doesn’t look at Pinterest this time of year because sometimes all that perfection makes her feel pathetic. Children don’t need perfect presents under perfect trees. They don’t seek perfect cookies—they just want to roll out the dough and cook with you! Don’t try to give them a holiday like everyone else’s. They want you and what happens in your home. That is what you should give them.
They may not remember what is wrapped under the tree, but they will remember the sausage balls, the Advent calendar and the special ornaments they hang on the tree with you.
An avid outdoors girl, Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit and enjoys all seasons, especially summer. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life.
Sources: WellnessMama.com, ForEveryMom.com