Tell your child that not all items on his list should be toys. Suggest non-material things to request – like a special one-on-one time with mom and dad or a fun picnic in your backyard.

Ask your child to write down the gifts she wants most. (ex. TOP 5 things I want for Christmas) Make sure her list contains some items he needs, such as new sneakers or new bag for school.

Try not to take your child through a toy store between now and Christmas- It’ll only feed his desire to be showered with playthings. (Like adults, we want to buy the things that we see in the mall but we have “self-control” unlike our kids.) But to take him for a stroll inside a bookstore; it will inspire him to ask for some books that he sees.

Make your Christmas different by teaching your child how to donate old toys, clothes etc. to charity. Let your child experience the true meaning of Christmas.