If money’s tight this Christmas, but your children’s expectations are high, here’s a way to avoid disappointment on Christmas Day.
The 6th December is St Nicholas’ Feast Day. Widely celebrated in Europe, we have made St Nicholas’ Day special to us by getting one of our friends to dress up as St Nicholas and, in early evening visit each family in the group. If dressing up is difficult, another option is for your kids to write St Nick a letter before 6th December and ensure the reply (through the post if possible) arrives on 6th December.
Whether by letter or in person St. Nick would like to know 3 things:
1 What do you hope to get this Christmas? Depending on the response, this can be good opportunity to manage expectations about gifts for Xmas sensitively.St Nick might answer or write ‘Wow, that’s a might big or long list of presents! I don’t think Father Christmas is going to be able to manage that this year, but I do know he’s got some great things lined up with your name on them.Of course, this answer is bound to bring some disappointment but you’re managing it early enough to avoid it spoiling Christmas Day.
2 What would you like to eat for the big Christmas Day meal? Asking this question gives us ample time to plan ahead and ensure that the meal isn’t a battle ground! Our view is why not go with whatever is requested? After all, it is a special day and a once a year occasion, so what does it matter if children want to eat coco pops and ice cream, spaghetti hoops and pizza? Last year we sat down to a mix of cheese on toast, ham pizza, bacon sandwich (children) and roast duck and all the trimmings (adults)followed by ice cream for all. It was a happy table!
3 What games would you like us all to play over Christmas? We’ve found it helpful to prompt ideas for games for xmas parties, including games for family reunions and xmas family games to make sure that suggestions are practical and include older relatives if they are going to be with us over Christmas. Our favourites include Treasure Hunts, Picture Consequences and Crimbo!
What’s really great about introducing this tradition is that it is easy to grant 2 out of your children’s 3 wishes: what they eat and what games they play over Christmas. This not only takes the edge off their disappointment if you can’t afford the presents they want, but also brings home the message that Christmas is about much more than receiving presents!
Simple pleasures, nose balancing! Everyone wanted a go.
