I don’t want to be the grinch that takes the fun out of Christmas for the kids, but their Christmas wish lists just keep getting longer and longer. Where do I find the middle ground?

The countdown to Christmas is in full swing. Back-to-school events, fall festivals, and Thanksgiving have slipped by almost without a second glance. The advertisements from the toy stores have filled the papers for weeks. Catalogs were shipped months ago. In fact, Santa was welcomed at many malls in early November. The year’s biggest buying season is upon us. More than 75 percent of all toys are sold by retailers between Labor Day and Christmas. In fact, if you haven’t already bought the hot item of the season, you may be out of luck. Advertisers have learned that the shortest way to a parent’s wallet is through the eyes (and pressurized whining) of a child. Who can blame a child for getting into all the excitement and “gotta haves”?

Giving and Receiving

Before your children begin their lists, have them go through the toys they already own and pull out some to donate. Perhaps they have duplicates or toys that are simply unused. Another way of turning the focus outward is to encourage them to buy for other children your family might “adopt” through your church or community agency. Often when children learn about the needs of others, they are less inclined to demand more for themselves. Every year in our family each of us would choose a family to “ring and run.” We would put a surprise treat on the front porch, ring the doorbell, and run! Directing our attention to someone else keeps your children from thinking about asking for more and more.

Realistic View

Before the shopping really begins, have your children make a list of the toys or items they most admire or want. Just listen and you’ll hear your children say, “Dad, look at this!” or “Mom, I just have to have this!” At this beginning stage, consider it a brainstorming session and resist elimination. Then search for a place where your children can interact with these items. Perhaps they can play with them at a friend’s house or some other setting. At the very least, examine the items at the toy store and, depending on the age of your children, begin some comparison shopping.

You are teaching your child to be an educated consumer as she asks questions. “Does this toy look like the one in the commercial?” “Does it do what the advertisement says?” “Does it make realistic sounds or have realistic visuals?”

Have your child check the durability of the toy. Point out any parts that could be easily broken. If the toy seems to be made poorly, ask him how he’d feel if the toy was no good after just a few days; perhaps he’s been disappointed by other toys that broke too easily.

Also, have your child consider the entertainment value. Is the item something he’ll want to play with for quite some time, or will he quickly tire of it? Does the toy have a variety of uses to allow for creativity, or is it a one solution toy? Does it have educational value? Is the item something that can involve the family?

In 1 Thessalonians 5:21, Paul tells us to “test everything.” Through consumer testing we can turn the commercialism of Christmas into an opportunity for teaching. As your children learn to make good decisions about toys, you are preparing them to make good choices in their future purchases.

Decision Time

Part of the fun of Christmas is the anticipation, so after checking out all the options, have your children narrow their lists to what’s most important. Depending on the age of your children, you could limit them to a certain number of items or to a specified budget. Have them prioritize and see if the same items stay at the top. As a parent, you have the final say. The toys you purchase need to reflect your values and not just their desires. There is real value in teaching your children delayed gratification by waiting and not having every whim satisfied. It’s not good for your child to be totally happy about everything at all times—that’s not the way life works. But your child will have a memorable and fun Christmas as you spend time together deciding—and when the big day arrives—playing with those toys! |L

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