Christmas may seem like a happy and joyful season, but there are always concerns that come up around the holiday. This is especially true when gifts are involved. Everyone tries to find the perfect gift for their child, and some parents spend too much, and others are just hoping to be able to get one thing that their child has asked for. It is a stressful experience for a lot of parents, and it leaves them with more questions than answers.
A lot of families struggle financially all year round, and when the holidays come, they are worried about if they are going to be able to get their children the gifts they want. They are also worried about when their children go back to school and start comparing what Santa brought them.
This can be a hard situation because if Santa is magic, why can’t be bring everyone everything that they want. If they see their friend get that special gift that they asked for, it can make them feel like they were “bad” or that Santa “must not love them as much.”
This has caused a lot of parents to plead with others to have the expensive gifts be from mom and dad, and have Santa bring the smaller, more accessible gifts. This begs the question on how many gifts under the tree should actually be from the big man.
According to Deseret News, experts weighed in on how many presents a child should actually receive under the tree in general. Every family has their own guidelines about how many gifts but Dr. Mark Bertin, a developmental pediatrician, says that we need children to enjoy getting things, but we don’t want them to gain a sense of entitlement.
It turns out that it may not be a matter of quantity, but quality, when it comes to gifts from Santa. USA Today states that it is unrealistic to expect children not to go back to school and “compare” notes about what they got for Christmas. That what we need to look at is what Santa is bringing children.
For example, one student may have received a new coloring book and doll from Santa, and their friend received the newest iPad from Santa. Now, the one girl wonders why Santa couldn’t bring her the same gift. This insinuates that parents should be mindful of the number of gifts that Santa brings and what those are.
When it comes to an actual number that parents should aim for in terms of Christmas gifts, there may not be one perfect number, but there are guidelines to what is appropriate for children. Pop Sugar reports that three is the best number for presents when it comes to gifts under the tree. One of the main reasons is because after three, it all just becomes a jungle of opening presents. Children become so involved in ripping off wrapping paper that they don’t even stop to appreciate what they have opened. It becomes more about things than actual memories and enjoyment.
This tip is not only something that helps children become more appreciative and grateful for their gifts, but it helps parents. Sticking with the 3-present rule saves parents a lot of time and money and it goes a big way to help them financially.
If mom and dad want to get their child a big ticket item, that is fine, but they should consider making it from “mom and dad” instead of Santa, the bonus is that you are going to be the best parents in the world.
Sources: Pop Sugar, USA Today, Deseret News