3. Especially with kids, be cautious.
In the era of Santa as the ultimate naughty or nice judge, and the Elf on the Shelf coming down from the North Pole to check in on things, kids are taking the presents under their Christmas tree to have great meaning indeed.
It’s a vulnerable time for children and they’re analyzing everything. I’ve seen a few ideas circulating online that would be great for all parents to keep in mind. First, if Santa brings your child an X-box, an iPad and the coolest new action figure, while Santa brings his friend at school a hat and mittens - it sends a message stronger than you may realize. If you are buying expensive gifts for kids, address it to them from you, not from Santa. You can explain to your child the value of money, it’s impossible to explain to a heartbroken kid why Santa determined he wasn’t as “good.”
To cut down on the stress and pressure that comes with providing a house full of gifts, how about a new tradition? One gift they want, one they need, one they wear and one that they read. Implementing simple traditions like this, while kids are young, can help teach them valuable life lessons while still bringing a lot of holiday joy.