Christmas For children, rituals are more important than big gifts

In a few weeks, the Christmas season begins, and many parents are already thinking about gifts for the children. In many families there is disagreement over what and how much should be given away. The gifts for children are far from the only important thing on Christmas. Instead, fixed rituals such as the writing of the wish list often even a stronger meaning.
Consultation with relatives prevents flood of gifts
"How many packages should our four-year-old get?", "Are two big gifts better or more little ones?", "Do we just want to give toys or something practical?" Questions like these are familiar to most parents when Christmas is approaching slowly the gifts for the children are planned. Often there are disagreements, because the attitude towards this topic and the personal taste can vary greatly.

Gifts are not everything: rituals and atmosphere are more important. Image: Konstantin Yuganov - fotolia

But how many gifts make sense from an expert's point of view? "This is very different and has a lot to do with the educational attitude, but of course also with the purse", explains Ulric Ritzer-Sachs of the online consultation of the Federal Conference for Educational Consulting (bke) to the news agency "dpa". In order to avoid a "flood of gifts", it might be useful to discuss with grandparents, aunts, uncle, etc. In general, according to Ritzer-Sachs, it is good to follow the formula "less but purposeful" - which means that the presents should be special for the children and should really be enjoyable. It is therefore recommended not only to fulfill the wishes, but also to give something that the child does not expect.

Do not overwhelm small children with large parcels
"The parents control the expectations," continues Ritzer-Sachs. So if the child is used to finding many and huge packages under the Christmas tree, a sudden change would lead to disappointment. Therefore, it would be advisable, especially in small children to give up many packages or large and expensive gifts, "otherwise you can not beat this," said the expert.

For many children, solid rituals such as celebrations are more important than big presents at Christmas anyway. the writing and hiding of a wish list. Especially the Christmas season offers many opportunities to involve the children and, for example, to make an Advent wreath together or bake cookies. Also, rituals such as opening the Advent calendar daily or singing carols together can help children to bridge the exciting wait until Christmas Eve. (No)