Let's set the scene - it's just a few days before Christmas, you’re feeling prepped and ready with all of your presents… when suddenly, your child mentions a present that ‘Santa’ will be bringing to them, despite it not being on their list. We’ve all felt that panic!
Children often say things that they don’t truly mean, but when it comes to the requested presents on their Christmas list, their mood can quickly become sour if they aren’t happy with what they receive.
Up and down the country this year, many parents will experience that blinding panic when their little one casually mentions a present that they initially didn’t have on their list for December 25. But how should you react when that happens?
Below, we have devised a list of our top pieces of advice for when you are thrown this unexpected curveball, and when you can’t afford to rush out and buy the new item at the last minute. While they might potentially be upset at first, these top tips will hopefully help little ones to understand why finalising their list to Santa is more important than they think:
Reassure them
If your little one is genuinely worried about what they are going to receive on Christmas morning, do your best to settle their anxieties. Let them know that Santa and his elves will do everything they can to make their festive dreams come true, and that their presents are always delivered with love in mind. Also, remind them that even if their gifts aren’t exactly as they imagined, surprises are a part of the magic of Christmas!
Figure out the reason
If your child’s last-minute request is a toy that they have never mentioned or shown an interest in before, then you will rightly be baffled by their sudden change of mind. So, try and figure out the reason behind your youngster’s new interest - it could be something that their friend already has, or they might have seen an appealing advertisement for it on TV. Either way, figuring out the reason for their change of heart might then help you to decide if it is a wise purchase to make.
Be realistic
To avoid this unwelcome surprise in the future, it’s always best to explain the logic of Santa letters to your little one - otherwise, they will just keep adding more and more new presents to their heart’s content! As Christmas Day approaches, explain to your child that once they write and send their list to Santa, he won’t take any new requests for presents. By telling them this rule, your child will hopefully take this advice on board and be more careful in the future about which presents they ask for.
Another time
If you’re not able to fulfill your child’s last-minute wish, then this doesn’t mean that you won’t have another opportunity to! If your little one celebrates their birthday in the first few months after Christmas, then you could always tell them that while Santa was unable to make their extra gift at short notice, you will still be able to treat them to it for their birthday. This way, they will soon be able to receive the present they want, and they will also learn the value of patience. After all, good things come to those who wait!
Be happy with what you receive
In the eyes of a young child, Christmas is mostly centred around the excitement of presents. However, it is also important to remind them of the other values of the festive season. If your child becomes gloomy about not receiving their last-minute gift, remind them that they still have several other exciting, wonderful presents to enjoy over the Christmas holidays and beyond. Teach your youngster that it is crucial to be thankful for what you receive, no matter how glamorous or small the gift is.
Earn your presents
Lastly, if you still want to treat your little one to their special request but you don’t have the means to purchase it in time for Christmas, you can still get your child to ‘earn’ their present! If there are aspects of their daily life that they struggle with, such as completing homework, doing their assigned chores or being kind to their siblings, you can give them these tasks as motivation for their special ‘reward’. Not only will they finally receive their gift at the end, but they will also learn the value of working hard for something they want!
