How to deal with junior’s unrealistic Christmas list

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Seeing as he’s a mythical character who flies in a sleigh pulled by reindeer and climbs in and out of chimneys to bestow Christmas gifts, it’s no surprise that some kids have unrealistic expectations of Santa Claus.

This Santa character, then, creates some problems for parents, who are left to do his work.

So, what is one to do when your kid believes that Santa can deliver a Toys ‘R Us aisle beneath the Christmas tree in your living room?

The Today show had some suggestions for that Friday.

First, they say, you should shape the expectations younger kids have of Santa. Or, as Today says:

Let them know that Santa carries toys for many, many children all over the world, so they need to keep their list small enough so that Santa can bring gifts to lots of houses and he will choose the best things from their lists.

Second, older kids should learn how to prioritize, they say. Indeed, prioritization is a great life skill to learn; not many of us can have it all. What are the one, two or three things your child wants the most? Teach them to focus on those things.

And lastly, Today says, sharing your child’s list with other family members so that you can pool resources for a bigger gift may not be a bad idea.

Wish lists are good to share with family members who might be happy to chip in together on a single toy that a child is longing for rather than each buying a lot of small gifts. This works well for those big-ticket items that may be the most desired item on a tween’s list.