By Shelley Heaphy
Christmas, a wonderful, heartwarming time of year is almost upon us. It is less than a month away and there is still so much to do and prepare for. From the long list of people to buy for, to the baking, decorating and all the events that surround Christmas we are working on making Christmas magical for weeks and weeks.
I love all the traditions we have at Christmas time, most of which cost nothing except time together as a family. We enjoy making ornaments for friends and family, attending local parades, making gingerbread houses, baking for our neighbours, decorating the house, all while listening to Christmas music and drinking hot chocolate. These are the things that create the most memories with our children. The memories and all the smiles you help create are really the best part of Christmas.
The one thing about Christmas that I don’t love is the expectation of presents. The pressure this time of year puts on parents can be crushing. No matter how hard I’ve tried, the kids in our house associate Christmas with presents and long lists of stuff. From aunts and uncles, grandparents, parents and of course Santa it can end up being a big haul for many kids at Christmas time, something they quickly come to expect. This puts so much pressure on parents, and takes away from the heartwarming parts of Christmas.
It’s worth a chat with aunts, uncles, grandparents or anyone else who tends to go overboard on your children at Christmas.
Ways to minimize presents or stuff at Christmas:
1. In an effort to get away from that I’ve started thinking about doing the often talked about. Something they need, something they want, something to read and something to wear. This helps take the focus off I want, I want, I want and gives us a clear idea of how much to purchase for each child.
2. I also explain the importance of asking Santa for only one or two things. They can ask for one thing that they want from Santa rather than a long list of expectations. Reminding them that Santa visits all children and helping them narrow down something that they really would like rather than just a whole pile of stuff.
3. Experiences are another way to move away from presents. We’ve stopped doing presents with cousins/aunts and uncles and have been doing an activity together during the Christmas holidays. The past two years the kids have loved having a day out with cousins so much and it really extends Christmas by having something exciting to look forward to.
There are so many great ideas, adventures and activities close by for our kiddos that really, the sky is the limit on this one. From movies, to trampolining, a day pass to a museum, a visit to an indoor pool, a show, skating, skiing or sliding. The possibilities are endless. This is the perfect opportunity to be creative. It is also a great idea for grandparents. Often kids will be so happy to be spending time with them that an experience gift ends up being very exciting!
4. A subscription is the gift that keeps on giving. Find a magazine your child will enjoy (LEGO is free to subscribe to), Chirp, High Five, Highlights and subscribe. Each month when they receive their new magazine they’ll have something new to do, look at and read.
5. Gear for a sport or extra curricular activity such as soccer kleats, hockey helmet, skate guards, a new volleyball, new art supplies. Whatever your child is into, replacing some much needed supplies or gear can be considered a gift at Christmas time.
6. Extracurricular activities are great ideas. Horseback riding lessons, a new gymnastics session, winter swimming lessons, a new dance program, etc., are all great ideas for grandparents looking to surprise your child with something meaningful. Each week they will be reminded that grandma wanted them to be able to attend a sport.
Hopefully these ideas help to limit the amount of stuff children receive this holiday season. There are many great ways to show children we care about them, that don’t involve three of the newest hot ticket items out there.
