Present disappointment

[Summerfun54321]

My young children 6 and 3 won't have many Christmas presents this year for various reasons. I'm resisting the urge to buy more presents that they don't need and we can't afford. Any ideas of what to say if they're disappointed? I'm dreading seeing their cousins on Christmas day who I know will be showered with gifts by comparison.

I guess it depends on what they 'wanted' Santa to bring, and what you've managed to get for them.

So long as there's something they specifically asked for from Santa there for them, I'm sure they'll be so delighted they won't notice/care much about anything else.

I can't imagine them being disappointed, but if they are just tell them Santa told you he'd chosen their gifts specially for them because he knew how much they'd like them.

You could embellish it by adding a wee bit about each gift and why 'Santa' believed they'd like it ....

They'll be so impressed you and Santa are buddies if there was any disappointment it will disappear instantly.

You've got this!!

I always ask this question…

What did they get last year? What did you get? The truth is people don’t remember the gifts. The remember the lights, anticipation, excitement, dressing up for parties, watching films and baking with friends.

Those are the things that matter.

They'll hardly remember last year. So have nothing to compare it to.

Have you got them their top wants?

Are you able to pad out a little with stuff you'd buy anyway (Matie bubble bath, clothes, selection box) ?

They won't notice what cousins have got unless they open gifts together

Thanks so much for the replies, I'm awake and feeling a bit teary about it but I know you're all right. They're young enough to just love seeing their cousins and enjoy the excitement of the day. They've both got one small thing they asked for from santa so I'm hoping that's enough.