What if Santa can't afford a Wii?

[CS04]

What if Santa can't afford a Wii?

I have seen enough overindulged holidays. My in-laws LOVE to spend. Today we went to my niece's birthday get-together, which I always dread because it is wretched excess in terms of gifts. And she is 5. (She got a pink Minnie Mouse TV when she was TWO!) But today wasn't as bad as in the past. We showed up with a few modest gifts from Borders, some old favorites from my childhood (that is how I like to buy children's books -- the stuff I liked), but she seemed to like them, even against the Barbie Diamond Castle. AND her bday is 2 weeks before Christmas. Sheesh.

I keep suggesting that we all go downtown together to look at the Christmas lights, but haven't gotten any takers on that yet. So maybe hubby-baby-stepson and I will make that our own thing, and the hell with everyone else.

MWO, I understand the divorce thing and how it plays into holidays. My in-laws always bought too much for my stepson (he's now 17) because they felt bad about his mother's situation. He and I have many happy memories of making cookies though. I am missing that this year!

Oh yeah -- I gotta start decorating!

[Cinders]

What if Santa can't afford a Wii?

I probably shouldn't add this, but I am going to anyways, because I am me.

There is one game my whole family loves to play. Now, the children must be old enough to count. So this does not work for the little ones at all.

But, for those in K and higher, Yahtzee.

I know it sounds cheezy, but it works with the little one's arithmetic skills AND the logic skills.

My grandchildren and I play it all the time. It costs $5.00 at Walmart right now.

Grownups and children love it. We will be playing it on New Year's Eve while I drink my AF drinks with the kids.

Love,
Cindi

[LVT25]

What if Santa can't afford a Wii?

I have learned quite a bit over the years as far as buying gifts for our kids. When they were younger I would sort of "coach them" as to what they should ask santa for. Sit down with a catalog and point out the fun things that you can afford. I have been in your shoes too, for some reason it's really important for me to get what the kids really want (within reason).

I would have to agree with the others about returning the gifts you have--but make sure you can find a Wii first. It comes with a few games--so they can save their money for more. I told my kids there was NO WAY we could afford or find a Wii until MAYBE after Christmas. I got lucky and found their "santa" gifts at Target ON SALE. The other small gifts we got them were for things they "need". Coats, gloves, etc.
I try really hard to teach my kids the true meaning of Christmas as well. But then we seem to get sucked in the spending mode as well.

P.S. I found myself the "Wii Fit" at Target also--so I'm kind of looking forward to it--not your typical gaming system!

Merry Christmas!:h

[Sarasmiles]

What if Santa can't afford a Wii?

Hey Everyone,
Just wanted to say thanks for all the understanding and the great ideas. I will talk all of this over with my husband tomorrow and we'll come up with a plan. At least now I have some wonderful approaches to mull over, so thanks again. Sara

[MyHeartIsDrenchedInWine]

What if Santa can't afford a Wii?

You could return the other gifts, buy the Wii, and buy several gifts from the dollar store so each child has plenty of gifts to open. Either that or explain the true meaning of Christmas : )

[Skinned Knees]

What if Santa can't afford a Wii?

I'm in the same boat. It seems that everything my daughter wants is several hundred dollars. I cannot afford them. Fortunately for me, my parents bought her the wii. But even the games are $50! Even so. There have been years where she didn't get what she wanted. I would just say that Santa couldn't afford everything on her wish list this year. She never said anything else. She seemed to accept it.

[Sarasmiles]

What if Santa can't afford a Wii?

More good thoughts, THANKS!

Merry Christmas to all...I'll let you know what Santa decides to do. Sara

[Prest4time]

What if Santa can't afford a Wii?

My initial thought was to blame it on Wii. There are NOT enough. But that has nothing to do with finances. Even if Santa could afford one, could you find one at this late in the game? We have never been huge on the Santa Clause thing.... its fun, but its not realistic. We want our kids to have as much head start as possible on what life is really like. We have told our kids on many Christmas's.... "Daddy IS Santa, and YES, you really did see him kissing Mommy under the Mistletoe! So lets help them out and see what we can do to give to others." Its great! They loved knowing the truth when their friends did not, but they dont spoil it. (well, there was one food fight in the cafeteria). Our kids love Operation Christmas Child, etc... and forget all about themselves while stuffing shoe boxes of gifts for children in third world countries.

Honestly, I think putting parents under the pressure to "BE" santa is pure PRESSURE. (We did that a few years!)Then, there is the expectations of the child... they sense that Mom and Dad dont have much to spend, so who will save the day? Santa Clause! I taught my kids the truth early on and we made great memories that did not revolve around "what are we going to get". Honesty, they thank me for not lying to them about Santa Clause. They realized at an early age that it was "US"... and it has made Christmas so much more special.

I think Santa is a ton of fun, but I think you need to keep up with it and be prepared. We sign all of our gift tags to the kids.... "Santa"

The Wii is a ton of fun, but maybe you could leave a card with 25.00 in it from "Santa" to help them with their new Wii? I think giving them hope is critical, but make them earn some of it... plan now because you have all this year to prepare for next year. Get it before Christmas season and you will be ahead of the game next year!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!!

[Prest4time]

What if Santa can't afford a Wii?

My initial idea is to blame it on Wii. There are NOT enough. But that has nothing to do with finances. Even if Santa could afford one, could you find one at this late in the game? We have never been huge on the Santa Clause thing.... its fun, but its not realistic. We want our kids to have as much head start as possible on what life is really like. We have told our kids on many Christmas's.... "Daddy IS Santa, and so lets help him out and see what we can do to give to others." Its great! They love "knowing" the truth when their friends do not, but they dont spoil it. Our kids love Operation Christmas Child, etc... and forget all about themselves while stuffing shoe boxes of gifts for children in third world countries.

Honestly, I think putting parents under the pressure to "BE" santa is pure PRESSURE. (We did that a few years!)Then, there is the expectations of the child... they sense that Mom and Dad dont have much to spend, so who will save the day? Santa Clause! I taught my kids the truth early on and we made great memories that did not revolve around "what are we going to get". Honesty, they thank me for not lying to them about Santa Clause. They realized at an early age that it was "US"... and it has made Christmas so much more special.

The Wii is a ton of fun, but maybe you could leave a card with 25.00 in it from "Santa" to help them with their new Wii? I think giving them hope is critical, but make them earn some of it... plan now because you have all this year to prepare for next year. Get it before Christmas season and you will be ahead of the game next year!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!!

[Captnjack]

What if Santa can't afford a Wii?

My thoughts about Santa is to tell the children that Santa has a Postrate problem like daddy and it takes a long time to have a "wii" so choose something else! ya little buggers!!!
Merry Christmass!!!! what ever happen to Space Invaders and Pac Man?????
AH BA HUM BUG Cap back to the future

[Captnjack]

What if Santa can't afford a Wii?

ALL the better for her'in from youuuuuuuuu me sweet irish heart !!!!!!. I'm ok my sweet oney feeling the better and worse at the same time whooooo hoooo thanks...... hope you are well!!!!! Seriously.... I'm well but I am takin ages to have a piss...... me and santa got a lot in common!!!
Love ya cap

[Eve11]

What if Santa can't afford a Wii?

LVT25;494351 wrote: Sit down with a catalog and point out the fun things that you can afford.
I would have to agree with the others about returning the gifts you have--but make sure you can find a Wii first.

The above hit the nail on the head for me but there were so many good replies. Liked IAD's too about the kids saving for their own.
If you kept receipts I would return the other gifts and buy the Wii. Don't know where you live but we've had great luck with Craig's List and Ebay for purchasing things below value.
We always explained that parents had to give approval for what Santa brought and we were similar with saying that there were so many other children that we didn't want to be selfish and ask for real expensive things at the risk of there not being enough toys to go around.
You had great replies from folks. Why don't you post us an update at the end of the thread and let us know what you ended up doing.
Eve11
Holiday Blessings to everyone

[rubywillow]

What if Santa can't afford a Wii?

I won't even go in to 'how it was for me (in the 50's & 60's) or my kids (70's & 80's). The world is different. However, I've let my grandchildren know the rest of the world shouldn't decide what they should like, or be like. I have 7 grandchildren, ages 3-18, and NONE of them own video games, x-boxes, wii's. They have assigned computer time. They spend time outdoors. They are in the accelerated, or gifted, programs at school. They are all extremely healthy and physically fit. I like to think that it's because of balance in everything in their lives. Your children are so small, so maybe a change in influence and habits would help. Just one person's take on the subject. I know I'm in the minority.

[IAD]

What if Santa can't afford a Wii?

Merry Christmas Capt'n.....Ha ! IAD.

[Lila]

What if Santa can't afford a Wii?

Ruby Willow
I very very very very very much agree with you. Whatever happened to drawing, playing, reading?
Better for the kids, better for the budget. Did I read that right? Games are fifty dollars?
Lila