My first year of homeschooling, I made several discoveries.
1. My kids did not ask for anything for Christmas
By being away from the school where Christmas is built up as the biggest celebration of the year, where children compare their wish list, and bring home requests that put complying parents in hawk, I found myself in a pleasant position. In previous years, I had to scale down my children’s expectations, letting them know that they MIGHT get one of the items on their lists and stocking stuffers. Being away from the pressure to get and boast the best gift allowed us as parents to choose gifts that we felt were best for our children.
2. We did not have to struggle through the Santa Clause Myth
Having never lied to my kids about Saint Nick, caused problem in school. While it helped me to scale down the expectations by pointing out the cost of the requested items, my children found themselves in a position where they would not answer the question “what are you asking Santa for” or “What did Santa bring you”. What really blew me over is that teachers were asking these questions. (No religion allowed, but mythical characters were celebrated) One year in particular, my child announced that Santa was dead, and the teacher told her that her mom was a liar. Talk about peer pressure. She was less than popular and was told that she was not getting that year’s most coveted gift, merely because of her disbelief. I had fun coming to her defense in this case, as it is my God given right to tell my children the TRUTH when they ask me a question and no teacher or anyone else has the right to undermine that right.
3. I was able to purchase educational items that they would actually use for Christmas.
That first year I purchased Leap Frog Products for both Children, and while they were not cheap, they were educational and put to good use. I also purchased some items from Discovery Toys, and games and puzzles as well. We purchased new bikes and skates for physical activity as well. Last Christmas, they each got a laptop computer, and nothing else. As for coveted items, all our kids request each year is that we surprise them.
4. They are thankful for what they get.
While they still have friends and family members who request and get the coolest toys each year, my kids do not feel the daily pressure to compete. They are grateful for their lifestyle, and the opportunities that homeschooling has afforded them. Christmas in our family is more of a Christian holiday than a cultural and societal celebration. Because they do not expect anything, they are always happy with what they receive.
By the way, this year we are having their computers upgraded and giving gift certificates to clothing stores. They are tweens now, and the peer pressure of dressing well could not be avoided.