Christmas is such a wonderful time for family gatherings and gift giving. Of course the traditional meal is always looked forward to. So many parents spend a lot of money on toys in hopes of making Christmas special for their young children. Then of course they spend the rest of the year complaining about how spoiled they are and how they don't appreciate what they have and they spend hours picking up the daily mess that is left behind at bedtime.
A possible solution is to purchase more items that will engage your child's time throughout the year. Items that are entertaining and encourage family time as well and learning. These items will not over-flow the toy box and are less likely to get broken within a few days. Things like family board games, or educational online programs that use computer games to teach your kids, and for sure buy some books.
All kids want the latest toys and gadgets out there but do they really need it all at such a young age. Buy one special toy not ten. People feel pressured into buying at Christmas time and spending money that they don't have. You can still have a wonderful, fantastic Christmas, spend less, enjoy the gifts longer, have ongoing family time or game nights, just by keeping it simple.
Reading books to your child at bedtime is a good habit that will keep their interest in reading growing throughout their lives. Show them that there is an adventure to be found in every book. Get books that not only entertain and encourage your child's imagination but how about books that give them knowledge in a fun way. Books about family pets, sealife, wildlife, counting, colours, paper folding crafts, making puppets out of socks, activity books, books about trains and airplanes, and so much more...
Years later what will kids remember? Will they remember all the toys and gadgets they had or will they remember the time they spent with you during family time. My grown children, who all have children of their own now, tell me how they want their kids to be a part of some of the things they remember from when they were little that remain important to them to this day. We had very limited funds back then but I never let it interfere with Christmas. We made homemade items to hang on our tree, they all helped to make the felt ornaments and stuff them and make the popcorn string for garland. Anything they made at school and brought home was proudly hung. Christmas is for the kids so let it be about your kids and get them involved. Let them help make cookies and decorate them. Go sledding. There is so much more to Christmas than just the toys.
So what do you do about the people in your family that want to buy the kids gifts. It is actually helpful for people if you give them a list of preferred gift items to choose from. Do up a wish list. Your friends and family will appreciate it and you will not end up with stuff you don't want your kids to have.
I just did a book sale/signing and found people were happy to buy my books for their kids or grandkids as Christmas gifts for this year. When I spoke with them they also shared some of the other books they love for their families. I can tell you the most popular author's name that came up (other than mine of course) was Robert Munsch. I'm sure you have all seen some of his books.
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and I wish you all the best in the New Year. Happy Reading and I hope you will check-out my website for Tori-Books at: www.Tori-Books.com Kids are never too young to start a book collection.
Tori.
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