Some of the BEST parenting advice given to us was provided by my brother-in-law (the one who told me I was FAT) of all people. He did so, not under the guise of giving advice, but by sharing a Christmas tradition begun by his parents.
When he and his siblings were younger, they were limited to asking Santa for three gifts. This served dual purposes: 1) Their parents tied this back to the Christmas account in Matthew, when the Magi lavished Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh; and 2) it forced the children to narrow down their lists, to focus on a few things they most hoped for.
The result and benefits are obvious: children have realistic expectations, parents don’t spend beyond their means, each gift has more significance since there are fewer of them, children aren’t overwhelmed and over-stimulated with too much STUFF, etc. To me, most important, it’s a bit easier to focus on the wonder of Christmas–the incarnation of God Almighty for goodness sakes!–mind-blowing if you allow yourself to consider what that means.
You know what I love this idea!!!
I am going to tell my kids just to list 3 things they want. Then read our Bible together.
LOVE IT!!
Sounds like a great idea. We had already decided to cut back a lot, and now they have a present (THE present) early- a puppy!
So not much else, but that’s not what it’s about anyway, as you so eloquently put it.
What a wonderful idea and tradition!
Where was your advice last week when I needed it? 😉
The kids already made their lists for Santa this year, but we’ll be using your advice next season! Thanks for sharing.
This is a really good idea. My daughter is only 3 and doesn’t watch commercial tv or go to many stores and so doesn’t have any ideas for a list but when she is in school, I suspect it will be an issue. Thanks for sharing.
OMG that is the only time of the yar my kids are ” spoiled”.! LOL If they are good, Santa brings lots! But its more about giving, and my children like to give alot! So whats the harm in giving ALOT!
I really like the part about putting only 3 things on their list. My daughter will get additional stocking stuffers and gifts from others, but that will not only help her decide what she really wants, it will help US in our buying! Thanks for the great idea!
this is great idea!
What a stroke of genius! I don’t have young children, but in my immedate and extended family, we opted out of “lists” in the traditional sense this year. Instead we each filled out a questionnaire (kind of like the “get to know you” e-mail forwards). That we share some of the things we love and love to do, while still keeping a little of the element of the surprise for the giver. It’s working well so far!
I have a friend who did this and it works very well! I, myself, give books – hardback books for Christmas gifts and then we splurge on their birthdays! Spreads out the debt that way!
We do something very similar and it is such a blessing. Our kids are only allowed to ask for one gift from each grandparent. They really think through things and almost always get what they want.
What a great idea! Some more great ideas int he comments, too. I did my WFMW on my other blog: http://adashofsassitude.blogspot.com/2007/11/gift-wrapping-tradition.html
Y’all, I’m on the run, but if you have any interest whatsoever (which I doubt), I’ll still be responding to comments TOMORROW :).
great idea! now if only i could limit my buying to 3 things!!!!!
Three sounds like a perfect number to me.
I love that idea!!
This is a great idea. I’ll have to start it with my kids.
and the blue box? I think it contains a little pair of earrings.
What a wonderful idea! Thanks for sharing!
Ah – I just love stoppin by to catch up with you! Robin, you are truly a gem.
Love this idea (we do something similar).
Have a wonderful day, friend.
xo
This is a truly fabulous idea! I love it! I wish I hadn’t already purchased my kid’s gifts now… there is always next year!
This is a good idea. I tell my nieces and nephews every year their are those less fortunate and it is always not just about getting but giving. So we pick a name from the trees they have in the stores to get a gift for another child in actual need.
Good idea.
One of my favorite Christmas’ was when we took presents to a child I had never met in a hospital–made me realize at such a young age (five?) that giving really was more fun than getting.
Huh. Wonder if that’s why my favorite job was working as an “elf” one Christmas holiday while in college at a children’s hospital organizing (and occasionally playing with!) the toys and passing them out.
Debs, it really does help keep EVERYTHING under control!
Lisa, this gives you a “reason” to cut back…and funfun with the new pup :).
Hey Cheeky! 🙂
Dawn, I wonder how old your kids are…is there a way to work this in this year anyway?
Barbara, trust me…if she’s around kids who get “the world” and then some, it’ll be helpful to have this tradition in place.
Deb, I hear ya….
Amanda, there is NO limit on stockings ;). I suppose that’s my way “around” the limit. I LOVE filling their stockings! 🙂
LoisLane, what a marvelous idea!
Sandy, ANOTHER marvie idea!!
Heather, when they’re “forced” to focus, it doesn’t just help “us”, I think it does “them”, too :).
I’ll check it out, AM :).
Thanks Katie, Sabrina (good luck), Kila, Kristy, Karmyn and Sher :).
Amy, true…
Hunter’s Wife, that’s a good way to consider others, too :).
Heather, I’m smiling, ’cause all I can think about you right now is “Misfits” ;).
We are doing this this year. The children know they can only ask for 3 things. Now my son is looking through toy catalogs and saying, “This is one of the three things I will ask for when I am 5.” It cracks me up. At least he knows he can only ask for 3 for this year.