#&*&$%*&@ ! FOund X-Mas Toys. What Now??

TM, no hurt feelings here. In fact, my brother got really upset at my parents and called them liars when he found out there was no such thing when he was little. Doesn't mean he thinks I'm a liar or anything now. Everyone has their own experiences and does things their own way. It's cool with me.

 

My friend's parents had her believing in Santa until she was 18 years old. Now this was extreme to me but this is just me. People told her there wasn't any Santa and she asked her parents and they said there really was. She does or did Santa with her children but vowed to make sure her children knew at a much younger age.
Patty

 

If you really have your heart set on giving those particular gifts, you could say:

"Those gifts are for ---charity. Do you like them?"

If the kids say, "Yes". Then say, "Well, I bet Santa heard that and he'll probably bring you one of your own."

If they say "No". Consider it feedback in advance and return them for something else.

I actually did this once and it worked. When the "same" gifts turned up under the tree, I really played it up saying, "Wow!! Santa really does listen to what you say you like!!":roll:

 

Jeannie's fun also comes from choosing gifts for her brother and her dad. The Thanksgiving turkey could be the symbol of Christmas, as long as she gets to choose a present for the men in her life.

 

I remember being so excited about the arrival of Santa, laying (lying)? in my bed upstairs listing to the wind blow through the antenna, it is the excitement that is neat to me. My boys know that it isn't real, but we told them not to spoil it for little kids and if they chose to be ugly about it, there would be no Santa! Keeps them quiet! Some things in life are fun, and should be enjoyed.

 

kyzg , I love that! How awesome!
I was blessed to be able to tell my kids not to peek because of the one year I peeked they went away... I have only had a couple incidences that my dd told my ds she saw stocking stuffers in the den, and that somthing was for him! He told me of course, sweet boy that he is and he was very excited...

I just thought of what I am doing starting this year, I am going to put a present under the tree that my mom would have wanted to give them... art supplies or something that she was interested in them knowing... she loved art and learning. She used to send them gifts from Santa, and tell them santa left it at her house hehe.
I think I heard someone once tell their child that Santa had no more room in the sleigh one year so he asked her to keep care of things for him? That might help too in yoru story?

 

We told them it was for the second mile minestry (That they are familiar with through our church) and that I bet Santa heard them say that they like it. (Big grins all around, of ourse)

 

jen, I still love that "Privately directing the education of my children!" it is SOOO Awesome!

 

Awe!
Thanks!

 

You know, I've been thinking maybe it was I who inadvertantly hurt someone here. That would take away some of my Christmas joy to think that. So, I want to say "I'm sorry," just in case.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank those of you who do "do the Santa thing," for taking the time & effort to thoughtfully explain your rationale for including that in your celebrations. It was interesting to read the unique ways you do it & why you do it.

This type of thing sometimes is a little sensitive to talk about, because each of us thinks our own traditions are special. That's why I don't discuss it much with family and friends,'cause I don't want them to think I'm judging them or something; so usually at gatherings I keep my reasons to myself, even if I'd like to share. Sometimes just laying out what we believe & why, can sound critical of others. Maybe that's what happened here.