You and Your Toddler at Xmas
Xmas for Toddlers is very special; it is most likely the first Xmas where they are aware that there is some thing very special happening. Their world turns into an amazing buzz of music and color; suddenly the stores turn into trees and flashing lights with Xmas carols playing loudly. They are surrounded by toys and presents and people are leaving the stores with baskets of toys.
Setting the benchmark for Xmas
It is a very special time for your Toddler and as a parent it is time to start to thinking of how you are going to teach your child about the meaning of Xmas. If you are of a culture that does not believe in Santa, teach your child to respect those people who do; just as those who do believe in Santa should respect and teach other cultures beliefs. Do not tell your children that Santa is a lie if you don’t believe in him; it is unfair for other families to have to deal with this disappointment in their children. Please do not tell your children that other people don’t get presents because they are bad; it is ok to say that Santa doesn’t attend their house as it is something that their families don’t believe in.
The Santa Delivery Bench Mark
It is also the time to set the Santa delivery bench mark for life; this Xmas delivery will determine his future delivery expectations. It is very easy to go over board and buy everything that is on display; especially if it is your first child. Toddlers have great memories so try not to go over board and buy half of the store. What ever Santa brings this year is what he will need to bring every year.
Toddler Xmas Tips
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Start building up to Xmas day 4 to 6 weeks before Xmas. In my State we have a Xmas parade six weeks before Xmas where Santa comes to town. It is our tradition to put up our Xmas tree on this day and start thinking about gifts for others. Each week we try to add more Xmas decoration to the house and concentrate on getting gifts for others. During our weekly craft time my toddler makes a special gift for some one in the family. We wrap the presents with all the painting they have done over the year. We make bows out of old clothing or go to the store and purchase craft ribbon to use.
Preparing the Santa List
While we are at the store shopping for Xmas decorations and purchasing gifts for family members, we slip off to the toy section and ‘browse’ because two weeks before Xmas we have to send Santa a letter asking for 1 or 2 things that really want. If it is a very expensive gift they are only allowed to ask for one gift. During these four weeks before the letter to Santa, teach them the difference between expensive gifts and not so expensive; this gives you the opportunity to set a dollar bench mark. Writing the letter to Santa seals the deal. You can then shop around for stocking fillers that are very low cost; I some times buy an extra thing they were considering putting in their letter and tell them it must have been because they were extra good this year. When writing the letter to Santa remember not to write ‘for Xmas I want’; write something like ‘I would really like to get’. One last tip for sealing the deal with Santa is to list all the things they would like (especially if they are finding it hard to decide); this ensures a safe option for parents if certain gifts are sold out or just too expensive. Most of all Xmas is about spending quality time with your family; it is a magical time and should hold the message of peace and harmony to all. Have a wonderful Xmas.
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