5 Ideas For Taming the Christmas Day Beasts

from KTD Contributor Jessica Cochran

Last year on Christmas morning, my kids drove me crazy. Who raised these kids? I thought to myself. Oh right, we did. Or rather, we are. Previously they had always savored and enjoyed every present - from fun new toys to new socks - to the extent that it could take us days to open them all. But last year they were present-grubbing nightmares - as soon as one was opened they grabbed for the next. By 10 am, I was so appalled I was headed for a not-so-merry Christmas.

So here are my ideas for a more enjoyable Christmas morning this year (some tested, some not.)

1. Limit the number of presents. If you don’t want or need more things in your house, limit what you give them and ask others to do the same. This requires advance planning…and it’s a nice concept if it’s possible, but my kids have 4 sets of grandparents, so unless I decide to be a total kill-joy, the kids are going to have a lot of stuff to open. Read on.

2. Stretch it out. Growing up, my family tradition was to open one gift on Christmas Eve. We’re not so picky about the number now…three or four seems fine, there will still be some the next morning.

3. Take a Break. Eat a real breakfast, play with some new toys, get dressed - and if possible, get outside. It takes the focus off stuff and puts it back on spending time together. Plus, I always feel less tense and happier when we’ve been outside for a while; I think my kids do too, but even if they don’t, happier parents = happier day. (Tip: make sure they open outside toys early so they’ll want to go out.)

4. Hide the gifts. All over the house. Play “hot and cold” or use notes with clues to help the kids find them. It’ll slow things down a little, and make the process - not just the gifts - fun.

5. Start planning. Christmas in Hawaii next year? I picture Christmas stockings, but no other gifts!

I’m guessing we’ll be trying all of these ideas this year. And if my kids drive me crazy on Christmas morning, I’ll remember to be grateful that we have this problem: we are lucky to be able to afford all the things we need - and fun things besides - and lucky to have so many caring and generous relatives in our lives.

So, good luck…and Merry Christmas!