Highlights
Even in homes where getting by is a bit of a struggle, Christmas is generally a time of indulgence for most families. We max out our credit cards buying “stuff,” eat more than we should, eat fancier than normal, and generally over-do it financially (and in other ways).
At the same time that we spoil ourselves and our loved ones, we often bemoan the ingratitude of our children. We feel that they’re spoiled. We wish they’d look beyond themselves and stop making Christmas all about “me, me, me.”
With this in mind, here are 10 tips for “unspoiling” your children this Christmas.
First, focus on others!
1. Focus on Service
This year, one family I know is baking dozens of cookies and visiting the local police station, ambulance station, and fire station to drop off some Christmas cheer. They take the time to thank the people who work to keep us safe. Others I know love to visit the local RSPCA with supplies or donations, drop food, books, and toys at a women’s shelter, or donate a food (or money for a well) to one of the many overseas charities that help those who are impoverished and in need.
2. Focus on Your Neighborhood
Who are the people in your neighborhood? Perhaps an elderly widow could do with a hand in her yard. ‘Tis the season for fast-growing grass and gardens. Perhaps someone has just gone through a tough separation and could do with a Christmas basket to ease the pain (financial and emotional) that Christmas might bring.
One of our favorite things to do is to host a neighborhood Christmas party. We invite all of our neighbors for a barbecue and to sing carols. Every year, we are asked for the date in advance, so people can be available!
3. Try a Secret Santa Drop
Our children’s favorite Christmas activity is playing “knock and run.” We select a handful of people we want to give something to each year. It might be a teacher, a friend, a coach, or a church leader. We wrap their parcels (often home-made treats), write thank you cards, and drive to their home. After parking out of sight, we sneak to their door, place their gift on the doorstep, and bang on the door before sprinting for a hiding place. Then we watch with delight as someone gets an unexpected, anonymous Christmas surprise. (It can be hard to do this well with six children, and we’ve often been caught—but it’s always fun.)
Next—focus on the children.
4. Give Something Exciting
The reality is that our children DO want to get something exciting at Christmas. So, pick something great for them (within your budget) and help them enjoy it. A decision to not get anything can leave them feeling resentful, particularly when they see everyone else "getting."
5. Reduce the Amount of Gifts They Receive
Some children receive gifts from everyone. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents, and even siblings are all expected to buy for everyone. This not only costs a fortune, but it can overwhelm children and leave them expecting more and more. Invite your extended family to contribute to one meaningful gift, rather than lots of bits and pieces.
6. When Opening Gifts, Take Time to Savor Them
Savoring is the magnifying, or amplifying, of a positive experience. When the children open a gift, give them time to savor it. Encourage them to play with it. Let them breathe in the excitement of the moment, rather than ripping into the next package and flinging their gifts aside.
7. Experiences Are Better Than Things
One of the most remarkable findings from positive psychology research is that spending money on experiences brings more happiness than spending money on “stuff.” Perhaps a family holiday will be more memorable than yet more toys?
In a similar vein, gifts that encourage relationships are better than gifts that promote isolation. A new iPad might be fun, but it may lead to introversion (and fights). It might be better to purchase some games that require the family to interact, or perhaps some boogie boards for summer fun together.
8. Rather Than Gifts, Give Letters
One year for Christmas, I contacted my siblings and asked them to give me 10 memories of special times with Dad. With six children, we had a total of 60 memories, each written on separate pieces of colored paper and rolled up into mini-scrolls and placed into a jar. Dad opened the jar and looked at us, perplexed. He reached in and pulled out the first note. He read it and chuckled. Then it dawned on him that there were 60 notes from his children. He dipped his hand in again and read. Then he began to weep. The rest of that Christmas morning, he read, cried, laughed, and reminisced. It was a meaningful, wonderful gift that cost nothing but meant the world.
9. Encourage the Children to Write “Thank You” Notes
Christmas break is a great time to take stock of gifts and say thank you. Invite your children to write thank you notes to those who gave to them, saying specifically why they’re grateful. Sincere thanks takes time—but it is a wonderful way to help the children show appreciation.
Finally, give the most valuable gift you can: time.
10. Give the Gift of Time
There may be no gift more appreciated by our children than your time. It costs so little, yet is so hard to give generously. But when we give of our time generously, all the material desires our children have will fade away.
This Christmas, “unspoil” your child by reducing the emphasis on materialism, crowding out the crass commercialism of “getting” with sincere, compassionate giving. It can make your Christmas truly memorable.
How are you planning to make this Christmas one to remember?
Dr. Justin Coulson is a bestselling author, husband, and father of 6. His new book is 10 Things Every Parent Needs to Know.
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on the Happy Families blog. It has been reprinted here with the author's permission.
