This year, give your kids a happy Christmas without spoiling them.
Don’t get them everything on the list
Kids can go a little overboard when it comes to writing their Christmas lists but that doesn't mean you need to give them everything. Unless it’s something that they really want and will notice its absence on the day, just leave it. It’s good for them to understand that they can’t have everything they want and be careful you keep stocking fillers to a minimum as well.
Have a budget and stick to it
Set out a budget for yourself and stick to it. Whether this means your kids gets everything they want or not it’s good to not go overboard. If they are writing a list to Santa make sure they are aware that Santa has a budget and will give them what he feels they need or deserve.
Talk to friends about gifts
When friends and family ask you what their kids want/need for Christmas tell them to give small gifts like a t-shirt or markers and to make sure they don’t go overboard with too many things or expensive items.
Give them practical presents
Try to give your kids gifts that they need rather than want. This way they won’t be bombarded with presents that simply end up clogging a corner of their bedroom. Things like books are practical and fun and arts and crafts always come in handy.
Open each gift carefully
It is easy for kids to open up their present quickly putting it to one side in their haste to open another. This year, spend a little time looking over the gift before they move on to another or stagger when they can open them.
Make sure they are grateful
Make sure they spend time writing thank you notes to show that they acknowledge the thought and effort that the person went to to picking a gift for them.
