& the holidays are still magical.

When we talk about Santa Claus, we tell our children that he is a character like Mickey Mouse and Bluey. They are a character that a lot of people love but there is no man that is coming down our chimney to leave us presents. 🎁

🎅🏼We don’t tell our children to “be good” for presents.

🎅🏿There is no elf on the shelf watching them.

🎅🏽If you don’t want to see the guy dressed as Santa, that’s fine. No forced lap sitting!!

Of course we tell them the story of Santa Claus. What I noticed this year is that adults talk about Santa to each other like he’s real and I think being a part of that is fun.

And don’t get me wrong, elf on the shelf is cute. The funny scenes people create for their kids can be a family fun thing, just don’t tell your kids the elf is watching them be good. That’s creepy.

Lastly, the 🎁

I grew up pretty spoiled and I still have a pretty unhealthy shopping problem and I suck at giving gifts.

With our kids, we started a new tradition. We are all in charge of someone else’s stocking. As a family we went to target, with a budget, and split up (our kids will hopefully do this on their own someday), and filled each other’s stocking.

we talked about how do we get gifts for other people and enjoyed the act of giving.

What do you think? Would you do any of this?

#Lemon8Diary #lemon8diarychallenge #santaclaus #christmas #HOLIDAY #parenting