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Monday, December 3, 2012

Keeping up with the Santa's

Ok! So here is my story, gripe, post whatever you want to call it for today.

I love playing Santa! I love and enjoy every single second of my children's joy and excitement as they open the gifts..They always yell out "Thank You Santa"! It is fun! I love the traditions.

Here is what I don't LOVE..
Explaining to my kiddo why Santa brought little ol Mikey(made that name up!) An iPod, Nintendo DS, and a cell phone plus all the other normal toys. "Why does Santa bring him better stuff? He is the same age."

I in no way try to KEEP UP with what other families do. I think that what is good for one family may or may not be good for another. My older kids get it. They are no longer true believers in Santa. As for my little one it can be a little tricky.

Here is what I try to do.
1. I always talk about the true reasons for Christmas. We even sing Happy Birthday to Jesus.

2. I remind my kids of the less fortunate kids who don't have as much as us. (Again my youngest will ask why Santa didn't bring the "less fortunate" kids presents) We also donate old toys.

3. I change the subject. If my kids starts talking about the extravagance of the other kids Santa toys...I just try to migrate his thoughts away from it. I will ask things like "What is the favorite present this year"

Now lets talk about the ELF ON THE SHELF!
I am not adopting this tradition. This is probably my last "Santa" year. So the time is out anyway. But to me this is another way to get us to buy stuff. Another way to sell stuff. ANd another way some parents have to play "KEEP UP"

I admit, it is kind of a cute idea and I like seeing the mischievous things the Elf gets into...but I truly hope that people do not take it overboard...Before we know it the Elf will be bringing iPods and Kindles! 

Just curious. How do you handle the overboard Santas? Do you have any tips on explaining to your kids why ol Johnny got so much more? I need tips so that I can be fair but not take away the belief! I'd love to hear your opinions on this!

HO! HO! HO! 

16 comments:

  1. I feel your pain in trying to teach the kids about individuality and not keeping up with the Jones'. You've got some great suggestions....thanks for sharing.

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  2. You are handling the situation perfectly! We always taught our daughter that the most important part of Christmas was the birth of Jesus. The most important gift to receive at Christmas is to be with family, be healthy and happy. Our daughter is now a teenager and her Christmas wish list includes 3 books, 1 dvd and 2 video games. It may not seem like they understand now but they remember and understand as they get older. Keep up the good work.

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  3. I think you're doing just fine on handling it! It can be a hard thing to explain. We teach our kids the importance of giving each year and have them donate toys or help out somewhere. Thanks for sharing!

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  4. This is one of the reasons why we don't do Santa in our home. We don't ban him completely: we read stories with him in it and watch the Christmas specials, but my children know already (they are 6,4 and 2) that he is just a fun character, not real. Our presents are already under the tree because they know they come from us. I found a great alternative to the Elf on the Shelf this year that focuses on the real reason to celebrate: The Christmas Angel. It is wonderful! I just reviewed it on my blog today! :)

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  5. I love doing Santa, too. So far we've been able to get my daughter everything she asks Santa for, so if she even tries "Well Amy got this..." then it's simply "Well maybe that's what Amy asked for." We do donations throughout the year to Goodwill and various drives and she come sup to me handing me stuff often "I don't think I want this anymore, maybe some other kid might like ti better." I don't think that the fact that we can buy her things makes her spoiled or ungrateful. I hope not, anyway.

    Elf on a Shelf is creepy...

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    1. ooh thats a great idea...saying that is what they asked for!!!

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  6. I try to raise my children with an awareness of those who are less fortunate. When they are older, we will do volunteer work together.

    And I agree (and so does my oldest) - that Elf on a Shelf is creepy!

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  7. I don't believe on Santas and besides we don't celebrate christmas for religious reason.

    http://www.beautyisintheeyeoftheb.com/?p=3923

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  8. It's sad how commercial Christmas is. We don't play that game around here either.

    My kids are young (3) but I thought that the Elf concept was "find it and be good". I guess it's "be good so that Santa will buy you a Kindle". Not happening in this household (even the "be good part", smile) but I'm all for encouraging my kids to make better decisions and if an elf helps, I'll take it!

    Besos, Sarah
    Zookeeper at Journeys of The Zoo
    journeysofthezoo at hotmail dot com

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  9. Elf on the Shelf must be fairly new. I am just now hearing a lot about him.

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  10. I'm with you 1000% with that elf....and thankfuly my kids KNEW that Santa only brought one small gift for the stocking and MOm and Dad put out for the rest so If they didn't get that Dsi that Jonny did-its because we didn't want to put it on a CC and pay three times as much for it!!! The past two Christmas my DH has been out of work--IT WAS TIME for the HONEST TRUTH at our house, my kids were 5 and 8 so I think they were catching on anyway.

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  11. I don't like how Christmas has become more about spending money than the TRUE meaning. I do my best to teach my daughter why we really celebrate Christmas.

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  12. I understand what you are saying. Christmas spending is out of hand. I honestly have spent thousands of dollars every year because we buy for EVERYONE in my family and my husbands family.We aren't doing that this year we simply can't afford it. Not to sound mean but many of these people that we buy for expect fantastic gifts from us-we usually don't even get a Thank You so I am tired of that too. Christmas isn't supposed to be about that. I think you are handling the situation great.

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  13. I remember when I was a kid with a few toys while our neighbors Santa clearly has some heftier pockets for presents. I know it will happen with my kids someday, I'll just enjoy it while they're young.

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  14. You know this year I have done things different... I want my children to know that it's about so much more.... and theres no reason we should still be paying off last Christmas... Thanks for sharing

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  15. Christmas is getting a little carried away by many. SO sad. and...glad I didn't get on the Elf bandwagon (although some of the pics I've seen are so cute!)

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