How to Handle Santa Presents

Christmas at the Roth household has always been a big ordeal. We are the dorks that start listening to Christmas music after Halloween, and have our Christmas decorations up at Thanksgiving. If we could live in the festive holiday season all year long, we would!

Holiday spirit we’ve got covered, it’s Santa that is so confusing. In today’s Pinterest-inspired world, there are just SO MANY ways to do Santa. How do you chose? What’s the best way? What if you do it wrong? Where is the manual?

This time of year, he is the center of mommy conversations. We go from the excessive spending and elaborate unwrapped presents, to those that don’t want to lie to their kids about a fictional character. There are conversation about how to  make the perfect reindeer paws in the snow, down to why Santa should be practical and only give necessary gifts. Quite frankly, all of it seems overwhelming! At every turn, I find someone sharing their opinion on the right way to give Santa presents!

Bottom line, there are a million ways to handle that jolly old fat guy! Whatever works for your family, that IS the best way. At our house Jesus is the reason for the season! When Jesus was born, the wise men brought him three gifts. We figure that since Jesus only got three gifts, our kids only need three gifts. When it comes to Santa presents we wrap them in different paper and don’t put them out until Christmas morning. We also want to instill in our children that a strong work ethic pays off, so all of the “best” presents come from mommy and daddy. Santa’s cool and all, but he only brings jammies! Right or wrong, that’s what works for our family!

Here are some other ideas I’ve heard throughout the years:

Santa presents

1. 1. Have them under the tree the morning of, but no wrapping paper. They are fresh off the sleigh!
   2. Wrap them in different paper and don’t put them out until Christmas morning.
   3. Practical Santa that gives the basics: toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo.

Present count

1. 1. The sky’s the limit! Magic knows no bounds.
   2. Only a few small items, Santa’s sleigh can’t be weighed down by the big stuff!
   3. Something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read.

The Elf

1. 1. Inspection tags inside of the gifts from Santa, they do come from the North pole after all!
   2. Small goodbye gift from the Elf on the Shelf.

(Note: For tips on where to meet Santa this weekend, visit our 2016 Guide to the Holidays in Kansas City.)