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June 2014 Moms
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Santa question

MindyvlMindyvl member
in June 2014 Moms
I was reading the on the Elf on the Shelf thread and got to thinking.  Neither my family or DH's  never ready did Santa, the Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, etc.  I was probably the kid spoiling the Santa magic on the playground.  Looking back, both of us felt a little cheated on the magic of everything, especially at Christmas.  So, even though LO is too young to participate in most of this, we're spending a lot of time thinking about what kind of traditions we want to incorporate.

I loved the Kindness Elves idea that was mentioned in that thread.  DH and I own a small business and do a big Toys for Tots drive every year with our employees and customers.  So, that is very close to our hearts.  

So, here's my question, if you celebrate with the idea of Santa, how do you explain to your children the idea of those less fortunate and that we should give to them at Christmas?  By that logic, why wouldn't Santa bring those children exactly what they ask for?  

Also, how do you handle things if LO asks Santa for something that you aren't willing to give (i.e a puppy, something too elaborate or not age appropriate)?
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Re: Santa question

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  • ashanne88ashanne88 member
    edited November 2014
    When I was little we got a stocking and a couple of gifts from Santa and also got gifts from our parents and sibling (we will be doing the same with DS). This means that Santa isn't the only gift giver, nor does Santa bring everything on your list.  I think this is important to make clear from the beginning and can help with your second question.  When I was little, I was so caught up in the magic and excitement of Christmas morning that I don't remember wondering about the things I didn't get.  I was too excited about the presents I did get.

     In regards to your first question, I agree with PP.  You can also explain that Santa tries but sometimes he cannot make it to everyone, which is why it is important to help him out to make sure all the children get something special for Christmas.

    Edit: words
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  • augustusgooseaugustusgoose member
    I never gave my LO a gift from 'us'. Between the gifts he got from grandparents, aunts and uncles, Santa, he really didn't need anything else and it was getting excessive. He never even noticed or cared. Xmas eve we go to my parents for gift exchange from the family (my side) usually later, by the time we get home he was ready for bed so Santa could come. Next day Santa gift(s) and then SO family plus a couple Xmas dinners somewhere. Our Santa gifts were usually just one big item that he's been wanting and some candy in his stocking.

    As far as questions the kids kinda didn't question to much. There is so much 'info' out there that they think they know.
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  • MindyvlMindyvl member
    Good thoughts on all of this.  I like the idea of explaining that some people's needs/wants are more basic than ours and that Santa only brings one gift to each child. I hope to teach service as a way of life, with the emphasis being on giving (vs. greed) at Christmas.
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  • ashanne88ashanne88 member
    amtellez28 said:
    DH and I have decided that to teach the slirit of giving, our kids would pick out a gift for each of us as well as for each other. As a kid, neither of us did that and we think it's a cool idea to get them involved in giving, not just receiving.

    ***stuck in box***

    My brother and I always got presents for each other and our parents.  It was always fun to go Christmas shopping with each of our parents to pick out gifts.  I was always just as excited for everyone to open my gift to them as I was to open my own gifts.  Being involved definitely helps children appreciate the spirit of giving.  We will be doing this with our kids too.
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  • MindyvlMindyvl member
    My parents did the same thing @ashanne88, as well as to pick out gifts for my grandparents.  They'd give me a budget and turn me loose in the mall. I'd make a whole day out of buying a handful of $5 gifts.  I'd come home and painstakingly wrap each gift myself.  We had the tradition that we'd each open one gift on Christmas Eve, I'd always make them open my gifts, because I was just so excited to give them.
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  • Evo9380Evo9380 member
    amtellez28 said:
    Growing up, all of my gifts were from parents except on special Santa gift. All of DH's gifts were from Santa, none from parents. We each want to do it the way we were brought up, and we can't agree. I know it's early, but can anyone suggest a middle ground/compromise. We usually meet half way when we don't agree.
    I don't go here (was looking up something else about Christmas and found this) but why not do a few gifts from Santa and the big gift from you guys? Kind of the reverse of yours, and his compromise is only that one gift is from the parents. Good luck deciding :) 
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