Tuesday Tip: Christmas Expectations and Kids

This tip is especially for newer parents but can be useful to all. We have to be careful as new parents of what expectations we set for our children the first few Christmas seasons. If we teach them that Christmas is all about the number of presents that are under the tree, they will learn to expect that same amount of presents each year. Yes, we may have visions of the children running downstairs to the sight of the presents from floor to base of tree but quite frankly, it's a little much.

I was reading in the Tightwad Gazette about the fulfillment curve. How kids would be content with just opening a few gifts but we push them to keep opening and then their expectations change the more presents they open. I am reading an older version but it's on pgs 77-78. It might just open your eyes to what children really DO think about gift opening!

And remember, gifts aren't about the money spent. These first few years, you can get by with spending less! Buy things that they like but you needed to buy anyway, like Winnie the Pooh Toothbrushes in their stockings or Pajamas for a present to open. Wrap up things like crayons, colored pencils, coloring books--that can all be purchased very cheaply at Dollar Stores or Target's $1 bins. They will love them as much, or more, than $30 toys! You can also find books for $1 or less there, too!

Just try to keep the true meaning of Christmas alive...create some great family traditions..and if you have time, check out the fulfillment curve I mentioned. I think you'll find it interesting!