What to Know
The general chaos of preparing for Christmas, setting up for the holiday, and then dealing with the aftermath is so real for parents everywhere. The aftermath, in this case, being tons of toys that need to be cut, ripped, or sawed open in order to be played with. Oh, and let’/s not forget batteries, instructions for setting things up, charging new electronics, and the list goes on. Like I said, it’s chaotic and it’s a lot.
So one mom on TikTok, Lala, came up with a few simple rules for surviving the holidays. Alright, not really surviving the holidays. But, according to her in her video, she has some Christmas morning rules, and rules for the days leading up to the holiday, that can make everything go a little more smoothly for everyone, kids and adults alike.
@lalamg2703 These are my Christmas rules for an easy breezy Christmas morning as a mom. #christmas #christmastok #christmasideas ♬ original sound – Lala MG
Honestly, her Christmas rules make a lot of sense for kids and adults.
Lala explains in her video that she has two kids: a 13-year-old boy and a two-year-old daughter. They both have different interests and different schedules, but Christmas is a time for them both to enjoy, and Lala’s Christmas rules apply to both of her kids. They even apply to the adults in the home, since one of her rules involves adhering to those Christmas lists to a T.
“And as time has gone on, this is how I’ve perfected the system for myself and my family,” Lala says. “One. before we even get to Christmas morning, when we’re wrapping gifts Christmas Eve, which we’re definitely doing Christmas Eve, because my kids are nosy, and they’re gonna find the gifts if I put them under the tree, we are making sure any toy that needs to be built and takes more than three minutes, two clicks, and a clap to put together, it has to be put together on Christmas Eve.”
That means Barbie houses, play kitchens, or other toys that will take you the entire afternoon on Christmas to put together should be done ahead of time. Lala also says in her video that if a toy requires batteries or an accessory that it can’t function without, parents need to purchase those items to go along with the gift.
And, when it comes to those Christmas wish lists from your kids, it’s best to stick to the list and not go off-script.
“Either you get it, the thing he asked for specifically, or you don’t get it,” she says. “My daughter is not old enough to really ask for anything, but my son is 13, and if he asks for a specific pair of sneakers, that’s what he wants. He doesn’t want a knock off version of that item.”
That’s fair enough. If you think a particular clothing item or electronic item is too expensive, then just pass on it this year. Chances are, your kid does not want the Five Below version of Apple AirPods. Lala also says in her video that, for kids, regardless of their age, the item they asked for means something to them. So it means something else to them if you are able to find that special specific gift and give it to them for Christmas.
