We’re at that time again when we celebrate Christmas. I think that for some parents this must be the most stressful time of the year. With the high unemployment rate, many parents will make the decision that eating is more important than gift buying. The rest of us will go deep in debt in order to please our kids. The cost of some of these items are very high. A game console can cost $300 or $400. If you include the games (most of these come game less) the price can go up another $100 to $200. This is for one kid. How can you afford to buy anything for your other kids?
I remember when I was young and how I was filled with the anticipation of receiving gifts. I remember clearly that I would try to stay up as long as possible to catch a glimpse of Santa. The one thing that I wanted to see was how would he get down the chimney since we didn’t have one. We lived in public housing. I never was able to stay up but when I did awake the presents for my sister, my brother and I, would be neatly arranged under the Christmas tree. I know my parents must have greatly enjoyed watching us opening our gifts. I greatly enjoy watching mine. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I found out that my dad was unemployed during some of those years. My mom was homemaker. During the time he did work he said he would take on part time jobs to make sure that he would be able to get some of the things that we had on our lists. Those were great times and I thank my parents for all they did to make those holidays filled with wonderful memories.
When my oldest son was very young I felt that telling him the truth about Santa was the best thing to do. I felt that he needed to understand where the money for all these toys came from. I also wanted him to know about the sacrifice that took place in order to buy these gifts and that I may not be able to get everything on his list right now. Gift giving should not be limited to Christmas. There were times he would get into arguments with other kids about Santa and I asked him keep this idea between us. My intent was not to change the world or impede on any one’s beliefs. I wanted to control my spending and still have a great holiday. When I introduced this to my second son his only concern was that something would be under the tree for him (LOL). My third son at 5 is just beginning to grasp Christmas and I intend to tell him the truth. That I’m Santa and that his mother is Mrs. Clause.
I feel that being truthful with our kids is how we build meaningful relationships with them. The idea of Christmas is a great one. I would guess that most of us don’t limit our gift giving to Christmas. Therefore I feel that we should not put extra pressure on ourselves by letting an imaginary being take credit for our hard work and sacrifice. By letting our kids know these truths gives them a better understanding of how much we really love them.
I’d really love to read your comments. Please vote in my Santa poll.
I LOVE BEING A DAD
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I think that maybe you may be confused as to the truth about Santa Claus and suggest you read “Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus again.”
I believe I can manage my children’s expectations for Christmas without respect to my financial well being or their understanding of the nature of Christmas. If I make sacfifices for my children then I would prefer they never found that out, or if they must know that it is only in the context of the model for how they should raise their own children. Never would I want them to know that any gift I gave or that came from Santa came as a burden. I feel that way about gifts for friends and family as well.
I remember the joy of ‘believing in Santa Claus’ even just for the sake of my younger siblings and believe strongly in the message of hope that it imparts. I would never willingly steal that from my children to ease my own burden.
Sincerely,
Steve
sorry, i didn’t get it…
Oh, it’s so interesting!
This topic is very popular now
I feel that being truthful with our kids is how we build meaningful relationships with them. http://www.ilovebeingadad.com/2009/12/06...
RT @WendellJordanSr: I feel that being truthful with our kids is how we build meaningful relationships with them. http://www.ilovebeingadad.com/2009/12/06...
Hey admin, very informative blog post! Pleasee continue this awesome work.
I’ve subscribed to your blog
I hope you will keep writing
Really? You mean it?
You blog rocks!!
hey, your blog is getting popular!
I just can’t understand this
hmm, very interesting…
I’m wondering, if it’s popular in my town too…
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I want more!!1
When my oldest son was very young I felt that telling him the truth about Santa was the best thing to do. http://www.ilovebeingadad.com/2009/12/06...
RT @WendellJordanSr: When my oldest son was very young I felt that telling him the truth about Santa was the best thing to do. http://bi …
@WendellJordanSr Me too, Sir. I felt it more useful to teach generosity than magical thinking. We all gave 1 gift to poor kids. Santa hlprs!
Wow this definitely takes me back, emailing this to my friends asap.
Bookmarking now thanks, please consider a follow up post.
A subject close to my heart thanks, do you have a Facebook group for your site?
I feel that being truthful with our kids is how we build meaningful relationships with them. http://www.ilovebeingadad.com/2009/12/06...
RT @WendellJordanSr: I feel that being truthful with our kids is how we build meaningful relationships with them. http://www.ilovebeingadad.com/2009/12/06...
I feel that being truthful with our kids is how we build meaningful relationships with them. http://www.ilovebeingadad.com/2009/12/06...
RT @WendellJordanSr: I feel that being truthful with our kids is how we build meaningful relationships with them. http://www.ilovebeingadad.com/2009/12/06...
I’d have to check with you on this. Which is not something I usually do! I really like reading a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!
superior post you’ve carry
Wow this is a great resource.. I’m enjoying it.. good article
Those were great times and I thank my parents for all they did to make those holidays filled with wonderful memories. http://www.ilovebeingadad.com/2009/12/06...
RT @WendellJordanSr: Those were great times and I thank my parents for all they did to make those holidays filled with wonderful memorie …
When my oldest son was very young I felt that telling him the truth about Santa was the best thing to do. http://www.ilovebeingadad.com/2009/12/06...
RT @WendellJordanSr: When my oldest son was very young I felt that telling him the truth about Santa was the best thing to do. http://bi …
[...] truly believe that at some point in time, children should know the truth about Santa. I don’t want my kids to give credit to an imaginary character for the gifts they received. It [...]
I remember clearly that I would try to stay up as long as possible to catch a glimpse of Santa. http://www.ilovebeingadad.com/2009/12/06...
RT @WendellJordanSr: I remember clearly that I would try to stay up as long as possible to catch a glimpse of Santa. http://www.ilovebeingadad.com/2009/12/06...
Those were great times and I thank my parents for all they did to make those holidays filled with wonderful memories. http://www.ilovebeingadad.com/2009/12/06...
RT @WendellJordanSr: Those were great times and I thank my parents for all they did to make those holidays filled with wonderful memorie …
I remember clearly that I would try to stay up as long as possible to catch a glimpse of Santa. http://www.ilovebeingadad.com/2009/12/06...
RT @WendellJordanSr: I remember clearly that I would try to stay up as long as possible to catch a glimpse of Santa. http://www.ilovebeingadad.com/2009/12/06...
I feel that being truthful with our kids is how we build meaningful relationships with them. http://www.ilovebeingadad.com/2009/12/06...
RT @WendellJordanSr: I feel that being truthful with our kids is how we build meaningful relationships with them. http://www.ilovebeingadad.com/2009/12/06...
Those were great times and I thank my parents for all they did to make those holidays filled with wonderful memories. http://www.ilovebeingadad.com/2009/12/06...
RT @WendellJordanSr: Those were great times and I thank my parents for all they did to make those holidays filled with wonderful memorie …
Those were great times and I thank my parents for all they did to make those holidays filled with wonderful memories. http://www.ilovebeingadad.com/2009/12/06...
RT @WendellJordanSr: Those were great times and I thank my parents for all they did to make those holidays filled with wonderful memorie …
RT @WendellJordanSr: Those were great times and I thank my parents for all they did to make those holidays filled with wonderful memorie …