When I first saw this idea, I thought to myself how simple yet genius! My kids always end up with waaay to many toys, most which hardly get played with after they are opened. So last weekend, I told my kids that Santa sent mommies and daddies an email and said this was his guidelines for Christmas gifts this year. I told them the four categories. My six year old's first comment was, "but what about toys?' I told her that would be under the "Things you want" category. She and her sister were just fine once I explained that to them.
So I asked the girls what it was they wanted for Christmas. They thought for a while and then said, "I don't know." OK clear sign they have way too many toys!! I told them what my brothers and I did a few times when we were growing up...instead of asking Santa for a few smaller things, we would all ask for one big thing that we could share. I could see the wheels turning in their little heads. They were trying to think of something big that they and their one year old brother could all enjoy. Then it hit them....a playhouse! So we got on the interest and searched for something they would all like. This was their favorite one (well favorite close to our price change. haha)...
Another thing we are doing, along with the 4 Gifts idea is having the children pick out at least five toys, they already have that they have outgrown or lost interest in and we are going to donate them. This idea led to a great conversation starter with my four and six year old. We talked about being blessed and grateful for what we had. Both of them told me what kinds of things they were thankful for (a nice house, food to eat, clothes to wear, toys to play with, family. After they did that, I asked them how they would feel if one of those things was taken away. Their faces immediately changed. I then explained how there are some kids out there who are not as lucky as they are- who don't have nice clothes to wear, a house to live in, food always available, a family, etc. My six year old said that made her sad. We then talked about ways we can help out those in need. That's when I told them the idea that they would go through their toys and pick out at least five things (that are still in good shape) and we would leave them in a bag for Santa to take with him when he came on Christmas Eve. They were so excited, they ran into the playroom and started going through all their toys.
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| Thank you to Pinterest for this idea and photo! |
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What a wonderful idea! Do you think Reagan is old enough to grasp the concept? Have any ideas that might make it easier for me to explain to her?
ReplyDeleteAs far as the 4 gifts idea, yes she is definitely a good age. I wish I started this with my kids from the beginning. Then they wouldn't know the difference. For the leaving the toys for Santa to take, I say it's never too young to start! Try and explain to her that she has so many toys and Santa can't bring any new things until she makes room. Then ask something like, "Wouldn't it be nice to share her baby toys, or toys she doesn't play with anymore with kids that don't have any?" That way she feels like she's making the decision and Mommy isn't forcing her to do something. Making it feel like they have some control over the situation has always helped me get my girls to do things. :)
DeleteWe do the three gift rule and explain the story of the wise men bringing Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus the three gifts. We do something to wear, something to read and something to play with. I love the idea of toy donation. I think we will start that next year once Caroline has outgrown some of Mason's old toys.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that idea Lynsey!! Yeah I'm not letting the girls picks toys out that Archer likes but the girly things that he won't be playing with are fair game for the donation! :)
DeleteI LOVE your post! Thank you so much for linking up w/Chelsea & myself. That playhouse is adorable. Definitely keep your eyes open on Craigslist! We actually JUST sold the kids nice HUGE playhouse on there, for next to nothing.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the donating idea too. We always go through the kids' rooms right before the holidays and donate tons of junk! Can't wait to come back next week and see your "need" post!
Thanks so much Alyson! I'm so glad I came across your blog and this idea. thanks for the craigslist tip...will definitely keep my eyes on there. can't wait for next week...ill try and make my post less wordy :)
DeleteWhat a lovely idea....so glad you shared it! You know, I'm thinking.....I wonder how much a carpenter would charge to build something that small? When we were kids, my father's entire side of the family lived on one road. There were literally like 15 cousins to play with at all times. The aunts, uncles, and parents got together and built us a playhouse. Of course it had to be a little bigger if we were going to squeeze 15 cousins in there. Anyway, we LOVED it and they actually had a builder come do the base, and then my dad finished. Just an idea. Again, so glad you shared these great ideas! :-)
ReplyDeleteI started this last year, and I was pretty successful (I bought a few little extra things). I want to do it again this year, but it's hard!
ReplyDeleteWhat did you find hard about it...sticking to the list? I can see that being a challenge. do you have any tips since you've done this before?
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