by Angelica Hidalgo

Created on: October 31, 2009

Christmas is a joyful time of year for many. The whole ambient of Christmas holds appeal in almost anyone, especially children. Children are bound to get excited for Christmas to arrive from even months beforehand. The main cause for their excitement seems to be the gift giving involved in Christmas celebrations. Children love being surprised, and they love being rewarded. This could lead to a Christmas list in which they include all the things that they desire to be theirs for Christmas. Of course, parents would love to see their children be happy, but sometimes a child's specific request cannot be fulfilled. Maybe the request is just not probable; they want a real spaceship. Maybe the request is too expensive; they want a new computer. So how should a child's Christmas list be dealt with?

It is a good idea to establish realistic expectations for your child in terms of gift giving a plausible amount of time before Christmas. Sit down with them and discuss certain things that they would want. If something comes up that is too expensive or unrealistic, tell them so in a way that they would understand. Try to let them down easily. Disappointment might arise, but this is a part that children must learn to deal with in their lives. Even so, it would be better to have them get their disappointment out of the way before Christmas rather than on Christmas day.

Do not make the whole ordeal a pessimistic meeting, however. Though you should discuss with your children the things that simply cannot be granted, reinforce the things that can be granted as well. If something that they want comes up which you can buy, gleefully let them know that the certain want can actually be fulfilled. Have them come up with at least a few different wants that you can fulfill. This way, they can be sure that they will get something they want, but they will still be surprised on Christmas day as to what the gift would be. Having them come up with different wants should not be a difficult task, as children naturally crave many things. In the end, establish the things that you can and cannot buy for your child a good amount of time before Christmas. This way, potential disappointment would be removed, and excitement would be set in for the things that you can in fact buy.

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