What would you think if your children were given a gift and it was suggested that they open it before Christmas

[stickwithit]

I have found some lovely books about christmas, santa etc which i would like to give as gifts. However, I think that they would be enjoyed more if they could be read in the run up to Christmas- sort of to help the kids get into the christmas spirit (as if any additional help is needed).

Would it be a crazy idea to give these presents early with a card suggsting they are opened before the big day?

Am I nuts- all opinions welcome!!

It seems to not be the done thing in Britain.
In my native culture it's completely okay, though, so I personally would think it's fine.

Oh yes you must give them to them before Christmas.
My DS was given a lovely pop up christmas book and a Raymond Briggs Father christmas dvd last year but there was no time for them as I found its all over so quickly after christmas day itself.

The book is out being used now, and the dvd I think I will save until Dec.

I am planning on giving my BF something special for her tree so I will suggest she opens it early.

I'd be O.K with it, as long as it was made clear to the children that it was a gift for Advent, and that they wouldn't be getting another at Christmas.

Maybe use plain tissue paper to wrap them, or use a plain gift bag?

Only because we have a strict 'no opening Christmas presents before Christmas' rule.

I'd be fine too with this. In fact mine get new christmassy jammies and teddy and book on christmas eve

I don't understand why people get so obsessed about keeping presents until Christmas Day. I think it's much nicer to spread it all out. Otherwise children can become overhelmed or worse, jaded by it all. Also I think it's much nicer to open a present with the person who gave it to you there with you.

I think it's a lovely idea. However, not everone would agree with me. Is it possible you could run this past the parents concerend before you buy to see what they think?

My Aunt and Uncle do this for the dcs every year. Each dcs gets a Christmas themed book to open early in December and a small gift for Christmas day. (eg chocolate reindeer from Aldi, that sort of thing)

We love it and look forward to it every year. Tbh, they are some of the most memorable gifts each year as they don't get lost in the excess others.

Last year I let DS1 (who was 3 at the time) open one present each day for the week leading up to Christmas. He had so many presents waiting under the tree from family & friends & was getting so overexcited about Christmas but bored at the same time as he had broken up from preschool. It worked out really well, as he really appreciated those early presents, playing with each one so much more than the stuff he got on Christmas Day. I will definitely be doing again the same this year. I always like it if people open presents while I am there, as I have spent time & effort finding a gift for them & so want to see their face when they open it.

Definitely a good idea, but definitely check with the parents first in case they are strict about present opening.

I would really like the thought. I've occasionally given people presents early, or let the DCs have presents early and never thought it was a problem. Very thoughtful of you to think about it!

Ive always thought this Christmas Book Advent Calendar was a great idea - you'd need a lot of books tho but guess you could use other little gifts between the books like sweets or stuff for a craft box?
Think they look really good all wrapped up like that! One day I will get around to being organised to colect all the existing xmas books we have, order a few more and do it!

If DC went to see Santa in his grotto, they would open that gift straight away and not wait until Christmas day, so I don't see why there's a problem. For young DC it makes sense to spread out gifts, especially something Christmas themed like a story or DVD, which will be enjoyed for a good while before the day itself.

I'd rather the children stashed them under the tree and opened them all on Christmas day. But it's up to the present giver really. If the giver is not going to be there on the day they'll miss their little eyes lighting up and the whoops of delight or crest falllen sullen looks (if it's not what they wanted)

I am German and I feel lucky that we also celebrate Nikolaus (St. Nick) on the 6th December. DS will be getting a personalized Santa book on that day so we can read it to the run up to Christmas.

In your situation I'd either give those books on the 1st December as a start of advent present or do the Nikolaus thing. Your children need to leave their (clean) boots by the door and Nikolaus will come overnight and fill them. It is also celebrated this way in the Netherlands.

When my DDs were little they sometimes opened presents given to them before Christmas. They were fine and understood they wouldn't be getting another present from the same person at Christmas.

I've bought a Christmas book and DVD fir DS and plan on giving those to him at the beginning of December. This will be the first Xmas he's really old enough to 'get it' so I am super excited

All his presents from us on The Big Day will be either practical or 2nd hand anyway as he gets spoilt by lots of relatives as it is (and I am stingy) I think it's going to be nice to have some special treats in the run-up rather than just have piles ofcrap gifts on the one day.