Some children can't handle more stuff. Others, get disappointed for not getting what they want. Yes, our kids need help from gift-opening meltdowns and 'too-much-stuff' overwhelm this Christmas.
I've first observed this on our 3-year-old while playing at home. Despite owning boxloads of toys, he'd snub them and reach for pans in the kitchen drawer and other household stuff instead. I'd be on the sofa scratching my head, asking, why?
Toys of the same kind -- like mini-cars -- are strewn all over the place, abandoned. At the store, he'd be fascinated by a bright tool set for kids. But an hour after bringing it home, it's as good as preloved.
(Our little boy two Christmases ago. Check out how we decorated our Townhouse Rental in 2020 here.)
If gift-giving is your love language, you're likely the type who'd lavish your little one with everything you couldn't have as a child, so long as you could afford them. (I'm like that too.) However, I believe in healthy boundaries. They protect our kid's emotions. They also protect our pockets.
If you're looking for ways to help your kids from gift-opening meltdowns this Christmas, check out the tips below.
Limit the presents to a certain number.
How to determine the 'how-much-is-more' depends on your judgment. For me, I'd prefer less than 5 presents. That's it! I wrap and place gifts -- our 3-year-old would like -- under the tree.
For gifts like clothes, shoes, socks, and other essentials, I don't have to include them in the gift-opening session on Christmas morning. I'd simply tell him, it was gifted by this special person.
Observe your kid's proclivities.
(This one asks for our time.) Not only do we list the items we'd get for our little loves this Christmas, but also get to know them in a deeper way -- their bents, their personalities, what they enjoy doing best.
It's one thing to ask them what they like, it's another when you have personal knowledge of what they actually desire. Most of the time, they are influenced to want things so they'd look cool (for school-age kids).
Our son is three. He can't fully express what he wishes (for now). But mom and dad know by simply spending time with him. He is fascinated by anything that rotates, rolls. Round things. So we got him this first washer and dryer from Little Tikes.
Giving a meaningful gift involves time and relationship. When we truly know someone, we recognize what they like best.
Come up with a strategy.
Here's one by Jefferson Bethke: Open the gifts one day at a time until Christmas day. Yes, spread the gift-opening. I've read this from his book, To Hell with Hustle. He and his wife came up with this plan after one of their children broke down, seeing an overwhelming number of presents to unwrap.
Another strategy we do at home, not just on Christmas day, is to box the toys that receive less to no love. Donate them. Clear out the clutter before adding in the new.
Lastly, the best gift you could give your children...
is love.
I grew up not opening presents from family members on Christmas. Nonetheless, the season has always been met with jubilant expectations; we get to spend time with our mama.
Even if we don't have anything on our table, we're happy she is home. We lost our papa early, even before I'd step foot in an elementary school. Thus, mama is always at work.
One time, I remember lying on the bed with mama and my little brother on Christmas Eve, fireworks lighting up the sky, festivities and gift-exchange outside. She told us the best gift she could give is our education. She encouraged us to work hard so our destiny will change.
Many years have passed since and our Christmases are never the same. We now have food on the table, presents under the tree, places to go during the holidays. To me, that memory is the best Christmas gift I've received from mama. Christmas will always be special because of family, sacrifice, and the bond of love.
After all, we celebrate Christmas because of love.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.~John 3:16
It is of love the Lord Jesus Christ came, and it is for love that He became the ultimate sacrifice -- The Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world -- so we could receive the newness of life.
Having more stuff doesn't equate to love. It's our time, presence, and the memories we make that would truly last in our children's hearts.
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!
