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Original poster

"And what do YOU want for Christmas?" Arghhhhhhhhhh! Stop asking my DCs that!

9 replies

Flubba · 20/12/2011 05:35

And breathe!

But seriously, I'm really a bit Hmm at the number of friends and many, many strangers who ask my children (four and a half, and just turned three) what they want for Christmas, or what they think they're going to get, or what they've asked 'Santa' for. They're genuinely stumped for an answer because they don't (yet) see Christmas as the materialistic enterprise it has become.

Now I'm not totaly naïve and I realise they will be getting that idea soon enough, but at the moment they are still beautifully innocent and Christmas is all about family time together, doing lovely things and a few presents. But they certainly have no concept of 'wanting' things and it makes me sad that people I know (and many I don't) are putting this idea into their heads.

And don't get me started on how much money people are spending on things for their young DCs!!!

OP posts:
nicknamenotinuse · 20/12/2011 05:54

People are only being nice and not being materialistic, I think you are blowing a small question out of proportion. Maybe people should ask 'what would you like for Christmas?' rather than 'want' but don't be so uptight, people are only trying to talk about Christmas with your children, nothing else. Children LOVE talking about Christmas.

HughBastard · 20/12/2011 06:04

When people ask my 2 what they want for Christmas they say

  • a pyjama party (watching a film in pyjamas eating popcorn)
  • a roast dinner
  • a camping trip to the beach

All of which we are doing. Of course they will also be getting piles of presents, but asking what they want doesn't need to refer to the Puppy In My Pocket Hair And Nail Salon.

leftmymistletoeatthedoor · 20/12/2011 06:15

Seriously? This winds you up? Christmas is about lots of things one of them is enjoying young kids excitement and people are only trying to be part of that. Stop being so highly strung!

Original poster
Flubba · 20/12/2011 06:18

Maybe you're right nickname ~ I'm sure they're not trying to be materialistic, but my girls are genuinely a bit flummoxed, so people then try to push the question further - so what are you hoping you'll get? do you think your mummy's going to get you some nice big presents? etc etc

hugh are you really going to the beach?! Do you live in the UK? (brave soul, if you do!) Xmas Wink

OP posts:
3duracellbunnies · 20/12/2011 06:34

I know it is annoying, but it is probably a good sign at the moment that they don't have a long list. I remember when dd1 was nearly 4, she didn't have a 'list' at all, whereas her friend of the same age was running a christmas, hannucha (?sp) and birthday list all with loads of stuff on it. Last year she just wanted a teddy, her sister wanted a wand. This year (nearly 7; nearly 5); they both want little electronic pets as company for their furreal hamsters. Admitedly it would have been nice to have known that when they were half price, but it takes them ages to even think of what to have. Dd1 also wants a new scooter as hers is bit babyish, she doesn't know yet, but that is too big for the sleigh so we are getting it for her.

I have a number of approaches to materialism - firstly exposure to commercial tv is limited, they often watch things on dvd or replayer so still have choice in what to watch. If we do watch commercial tv, when the adverts come on we sit and ask them what they think the ad is trying to sell, why is it on during kids tv, what effects that might have on people - their reasoning is quite sophisiticated.

Finally I manage their expectations of FC as he brings generally the little things - though he has pushed the boat out on the furreal pets, big, expensive things are under the tree from us, so in years to come if their lists do expand, if they ask for something too outlandish, FC might not be able to bring it as he does have to buy for all the other children, and it might be too much for mummy + daddy.

I think the pp children sound great, and I bet that if we parents tell the LO what we are looking forward to re family etc, then that is what they will tell others they want to, make others realise it isn't the best question. I think often though in my experience it is oldish people, and I guess they are just thinking back to when they/their children were little, and want to recapture a little of the magic. Sorry long post!

3duracellbunnies · 20/12/2011 06:39

Just saw your other post when writing my essay. Why not train your 4 yr old to say 'world peace' or 'for everyone to be happy' when they ask, that should stop them in their tracks!

nicknamenotinuse · 20/12/2011 06:42

my son says 'just whatever I get would be nice'. Not trained or told to say that, it's just what he says. I love him for that (and lots of other things) x

Original poster
Flubba · 20/12/2011 08:10

Ooh I like the idea of training them to say "world peace" duracellbunnies :o :o

nickname My DD2 was asked what she wanted to get for her (recent) birthday, and her reply was "I don't know. Let's wait and see!" - also off her own back :)

Not meaning to be uptight, just it does bother me.

OP posts:
IShallWearMidnight · 20/12/2011 08:23

DD1 used to say "no toys, plenty toys in DDs house" which was sweet, and meant that she was really excited with whatever was given. DD3 on the other hand had the Argos catalogue out in September Wink.

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