How do you handle requests to Santa?

[kaimon]

Do your kids send Santa a list of suggestions and the he chooses? Or do they ask for one specific gift that he gets? DD only really wants one toy but I made her give a couple of options.

DD said this morning that she can't wait until Christmas so that santa will bring her the new lalaloopsy. I tried to explain that just because she asked for it doesn't mean santa will for sure bring it. He'll try his hardest but sometimes things happen.

That doll has already been purchased so it's not actually about whether she'll get it or not, it's more about the expectation that because she asked santa she will for sure give. Plus the surprise of actually receiving it Christmas day

She's 4.5 so I get it - Santa is magical and there *shouldn't* be anything he can't do. And up until now requests have been reasonable. I just worry that without this disclaimer next year's request will be something that can't be fulfilled, if that makes sense.

Do I just keep gently reminding her that he'll try his best when she brings it up? Is there another approach I'm not seeing?

[s@hmommy]

DD is 5 and we have done just what you are. Keep reminding her, she will eventually get it.

[mommyinthesun]

I generally "guide" my children in what they should ask Santa for
They are allowed to ask for 3-5 things, knowing that Santa only brings 1.

[Rhianna'sMommy]

My kids are allowed to ask for whatever they want for Christmas. They are told they are allowed to wish for whatever they want but Santa knows them pretty good and is only going to buy what he thinks they'll really play with and he doesn't buy what you already have(ie- you're not going to get a new barbie house). Santa moght even surprise you with something not on your list. The list is your likes - not Santa's shopping list.

[Done at 3]

We just do a general wish list that they add to for months before Christmas and everyone including Santa uses the list. The things I know they want the most generally come from Santa.

[kaimon]

Thanks for all the suggestions!

[Only]

Originally Posted by Rhianna'sMommy My kids are allowed to ask for whatever they want for Christmas. They are told they are allowed to wish for whatever they want but Santa knows them pretty good and is only going to buy what he thinks they'll really play with and he doesn't buy what you already have(ie- you're not going to get a new barbie house). Santa moght even surprise you with something not on your list. The list is your likes - not Santa's shopping list.

I like this!

[Kimmyann]

My son is 5. He put 42 items on his list. I have already purchased his toys so as he was writing his list I would casually say to him how about Legos? And sure enough he would add that to his list. This way he does get some items he puts on his list.

[Kimmyann]

DP

[Geckmumto3]

Originally Posted by Rhianna'sMommy My kids are allowed to ask for whatever they want for Christmas. They are told they are allowed to wish for whatever they want but Santa knows them pretty good and is only going to buy what he thinks they'll really play with and he doesn't buy what you already have(ie- you're not going to get a new barbie house). Santa moght even surprise you with something not on your list. The list is your likes - not Santa's shopping list.

This is exactly what we do.

Originally Posted by Kimmyann My son is 5. He put 42 items on his list. I have already purchased his toys so as he was writing his list I would casually say to him how about Legos? And sure enough he would add that to his list. This way he does get some items he puts on his list.

And I do this, too.