Mommy Moment...
We have several unusual traditions (you have read a few).
On Christmas Eve the kids were allowed to open one gift. Then on Christmas morning, when they awoke (at some horribly early time), they found their "Santa gifts" set up and waiting for them in the front room. It worked out well because wrapping a tent or a large, homemade barn for Breyer horses is nearly impossible!
Here's the thing: we called them "Santa gifts", but the kids always knew they were the special gifts from their dad. We didn't do wish lists. We didn't encourage the materialistic side of Christmas. Instead, all the anticipation centered around their father's love for them. It seemed to be a small thing, but looking back I see that it was invaluable to their hearts and the solidifying of their Daddy's love for them.
Mommies, there are few things more important to a child than knowing that they are adored by their daddy. I encourage you to find every way possible to encourage that.
Our kids are all grown up now. But still, they wake up at 4:30 AM Christmas morning to see what "Santa gifts" await them.
Mommy, you got this!
