Have a 2 & 3 year old, who've discovered the toy catalogs that come in the paper. Also my 3 year old who loves instruments, would love a banjo, tuba, triangle, etc. Im not digging the whole "wait for Christmas" or "ask for it from Santa" line as I think its kind of greedy, and dont want to get them started off this young. Any advice on how you talk about presents, gift giving, etc.
We also have talked about the meaning of Christmas, Jesus's birthday, the less fortunate, etc.
*And I LOVED circling the toys in the Fleet Farm catalog when I was a kid, but remember my brother always being so pissed off when he didnt get everything he asked for, and think thats part of this.
2007-11-09 08:54:20 · 7 answers · asked by lillilou 7 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
My four-year-old is also really into those catalogs.
We use them to talk about toys--why we allow some and not others, what toys we already have, what would be fun to have someday, etc.
When she starts in with the "I want THIS for Christmas" bit, we remind her that a) you can want a lot of things, but you won't get them all; b) sometimes the best gifts are things that don't come from a catalog (and we talk about examples); and that c) we're expecting her to pick something that she really, really wants, and then we're going to buy it and give it to a child who's less fortunate than she is.
She really likes to pick out toys for OTHER kids, so we're really trying to encourage that.
2007-11-09 09:09:25 · answer #1 · answered by Yarro Pilz 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just let them leaf through catalogs and circle what they want help them make their Christmas list to Santa and tell them that they can only put a few things on there. We told our kids that just because they asked for it doesn't mean they will get it, Santa only has so much room in his bag and he has to bring presents to girls and boys all around the world. We read them Bernstein Bears Meets Santa Bear. It had some great example and we talked about it after, might not be age appropriate for your two year old, but our three year old got it better then his four year old brother. Also you can have them pick out some toys to donate to kids who don't have very many(a great way to teach them Christmas is about giving and also to clean for new Christmas toys), you guys could sponsor a family and make a big deal out of saving money for it or have the kids pick out a toy to donate for toys for tots. Your best way to teach your children that Christmas is about giving and not receiving is to show them in your actions.
2007-11-09 09:11:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to make it clear that just because they ask doesn't mean they get it. It's a HUGE life lesson that has to be learned so don't feel bad about it. Most likely, they'll forget about it by Christmas anyway. Talk about presents as being fortunate that you can have them but remember to always be thankful. Maybe taking them to a toy drive and showing them that they have toys they don't need is a good plan. My dad always used to say "If something comes in, something goes out" so telling them that they have to clean out all their old toys to get a new one is an idea.
2007-11-09 12:13:27 · answer #3 · answered by chixrul16 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Circling items is a great idea. Perhaps you could explain to them that we circle the things that we want, and that we put two circles around the two or three things that we really want. Tell them that Santa likes to know this so that he can make sure he brings them at least one thing that he knows they'll love. This will allow them to show you everything they want, but also make some decisions and know that they can't have everything. I would just make sure that you do get them one thing that they really want - to keep the spirit alive.
2007-11-13 08:10:26 · answer #4 · answered by Reality 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know - I feel your pain. I can't believe how young it starts. I think it is our job as parents not to raise kids that are never satisfied with what they get - always want more - more - more! Although, they are young to understand this, but maybe you can ask them to pick their favorite and that is what they will get. I don't know - that isn't going to work at my house, because all the grandparents buy so much stuff! I don't know! I am planning on making them work for big items they want and feel they have to earn things, but at this age - they are too young for most of the reasoning. good luck and I look forward to reading others answers!
2007-11-09 09:19:22 · answer #5 · answered by twinsmama06 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask for a holy rosary and then Honor god by praying it on Christmas day.-Jesus Christ For all of your dreams and wishes to come true, Pray the Holy Rosary for world peace and for all of Gods children to pray the Holy Rosary, And explore and discover the many gifts of APPARITIONS and the PIETA PRAYER BOOK that God has sent for your spiritual guidance, enjoyment and enrichment and great will be your rewards in heaven. Merry Christmas,and here is a loving hug for all of Gods children. The Holy Family
2016-05-28 23:52:46 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are starting to notice the trend in our house as well. My 4 year old understands and remembers what she wished for all year round.
I wish I had the answer....
2007-11-09 09:08:23 · answer #7 · answered by Katie C 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋