CHRISTMAS

By Nadyne Lee, A.R.N.P.

       Many parents find it difficult to create a happy and holy Christmas season in the midst of high-pressure commercials and frantic busyness.  While many children tell their parents that what they want for Christmas is costly designer clothes, the latest electronic gadgets, and brand name toys, research has shown that what children really crave is much more basic.  At Christmas, children really need:

            1.         Peaceful time with the family.

            2.         Reliable family traditions.

            3.         Realistic expectations about gifts.

            Of all the needs of children, enjoyable time with parents is most important.  To make time for your children consider the following options.

            *          Take extra time off work.

            *          Simplify holiday preparations.

            *          Entertain less and attend fewer parties, cut back on outside commitments.

            *          Make fewer gifts.

            *          Watch less television.

            Give children your time and attention.  Let them know that they are your priority.

            Decide which holiday traditions your children enjoy most.  Which traditions are most important for you?  Make time to celebrate these cherished traditions.  Traditions such as viewing the Nutcracker Suite, visiting the Mall Santa, and touring the decorated homes may not be nearly as important to your or your children as visiting grandparents, making Christmas cookies, or stringing popcorn for the tree.  Drop unimportant activities to make time and energy for cherished traditions.

            Encourage realistic expectations for gifts.  If ten to fifteen gifts under the Christmas tree will break the bank or create credit card debt that will haunt you like the ghost of Christmas past until July, then set limits.  Tell your children that this year Santa will bring three or four nice gifts. . . that is, one big gift and several small gifts.

            When you shop for children buy durable, washable, age appropriate toys, which have no sharp points, and encourage creative non-violent play.  Buy soft toys.  Check for the mark “ASTMF-963” indicating that the toy conforms to the safety standards established by the toy industry.  If you have any questions concerning a certain toy, call the US Consumer Product Safety Commission at 1-800-638-2772.  The following are safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

            *  Follow recommended age ranges on toy packages.  Toys that are too advanced   could be a safety hazard for younger children.

            * Check the size of the toy and make sure there are no parts that could be swallowed.

              *  Before buying a toy or allowing your child to play with a toy that he has received as a gift, read the instructions carefully.  If the toy is appropriate for your child, show him how to use it properly.

            * Children under age 3 can choke on small parts contained in toys or games and balls with a diameter on one and three-quarters of an inch or less.

            *  Children under age 8 can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons.

            *  Watch for strings that are more than 12 inches in length.  They could be a strangulation hazard for babies.

  The following are gift suggestions: