At Christmas it is tradition to make gifts, and the "fat prize" is taken by the little ones from home. It seems that boys and girls are the protagonists of the letters of Santa Claus and the Magi, and we see this on television if we estimate the advertising "for children" by comparing it with that for adults. At Christmas, it is very likely that there will be an avalanche of gifts at home.
We buy, buy grandparents, uncles ... However, we surely do not want the house to be filled with gifts that, on the one hand, children have not even asked for and, on the other, do not need. And although it can become a delicate issue and especially difficult to achieve, we can try to "reduce damage". Here are some tips to get fair and desired gifts.
Let's make suggestions to the family. Let's not let gifts come "blindly" and out of control. We can suggest what we think our children would like most or may be more beneficial or useful. We can suggest an amount (no more than a gift or two). We can suggest that what they have in mind is not suitable for their age, or it is too expensive, or the child will not like it, or there is no space at home ...
It will depend on each family, but in order not to hurt susceptibilities when making the request for "containment" or the above suggestions, it is best that the part corresponding to each family do so. That is, the mother can talk to the grandparents and maternal uncles and the dad with his family.
Of course, you have to be Comprehensive and friendly with requestsWell, deep down the family wants to make the children happy. But as we have said on many occasions, the little ones (and more the smaller ones) are happy with very little. Therefore, with a "Do not you think it would be better ...?", Or "Maybe what you like best is ...", or "It's a good idea, although you have to keep in mind that ...", "Well the other day I was about to buy him ... "... be enough to make us understand.
If the child receives an "unexpected" gift that we think is not appropriate, it is best to let him know politely and try to change it for another. In this sense, the presents that come with gift vouchers are a great invention to avoid having to have a hard time giving explanations.
The ephemeral gifts of the type go to the cinema, the circus, the zoo or any activity that is interesting for children one day are an option that many times we do not take into account, but that can perfectly replace the conventional gifts that arrive in avalanche and that will soon end up in a corner. For the moment of the gift, they serve the entrance tickets when possible, or a "voucher" for the show they decide. These "Intangible" gifts can be even more appreciated by the kids, since it means spending a pleasant time in the company of the family.
Make a self control exercise. I can assure you that it is complicated, and I have had to tie my hands to my back sometime so as not to take that cute monkey or that Lunnies game that my oldest daughter would have loved. On every Christmas she has lived (two Christmas) she has received only one gift from her parents. And the first did not even notice.
Let's try to make gifts necessary items. For example, if we still had to buy the child a cologne, a bottle of cologne may come in handy. Of course, a colony in bulk would not be too good as a gift, but we all know that today there are cases of children's colonies that delight children with their favorite characters (Pocoyo, Caillou, Barbie ...). The same for gels, pajamas, slippers and other clothing.
If the child is so young that he doesn't ask for anything because he is still a baby, "let's take advantage" in the good sense of the word. It will be a saving for us and for the family. Clothing and hygiene products are a good and practical option, since we were going to need them anyway.
If the child already speaks but does not ask for anything, he does not want anything special. Of course we already know what your tastes are (favorite games with daddies, unfaithful characters ...) and there we have certain success.
If the child already asks for what he wants, it will depend on how long his letter to the Kings is, but let's try to keep it from getting too long. As we said, it is good for children to express their wishes. Let him choose which are his, let's say, three or four main desires. These are the ones you will receive among all. After all, it seems like a very healthy recommendation. And you'll understand that you can't have everything you want uncontrollably and effortlessly.
If at the end of everything comes on November 25 or January 6 and the avalanche of gifts occurs equally, we can try, concealed or openly, set aside a few gifts for later. Children will enjoy more those they now have, and they will get a surprise later.
In this way, we may avoid opening presents and leaving them aside almost simultaneously, making the illusion for what they have more lasting. We will also save, because we have turned into gifts those items that we were going to need or buy anyway.
And, above all, we will be establishing a healthy habit of enjoying with little and appreciate what you have by avoiding the avalanche of gifts at Christmas. We can apply the same story for birthdays, and maybe we don't have to hear "I ask for it" so often…
