Children often write letters to Santa Claus requesting specific gifts. However, a child's wish may turn out to be either unattainable or beyond their parents' budget. To prevent disappointment and maintain their belief in magic, it's important to discuss alternative gift options with them in advance, explained child psychologist Irina Taranova to the Public News Service.
“The issue here isn't just about how to say 'no' specifically at New Year, but rather how parents deny their children's wants and desires in general,” — noted the specialist.
Not only during holidays but also in everyday life, parents often face the inability to buy things for their children, which is why they should have a strategy for such situations, according to the psychologist. For instance, if a child wants an expensive toy, they can explain why that purchase is not feasible. Taranova referred to this as a standard conversation with children about their desires.
However, during New Year, the gift is associated with Santa Claus, so in this case, it's necessary to clarify his capabilities — to explain that he, Santa, cannot always give expensive gifts and suggest thinking of what else could be asked from the magician to make it easier for him.
“You should try to guide the child towards finding some alternative options that could fit within the parents' budget,” — the psychologist explained.
It is worth noting that researchers have discovered that the majority of Russian parents (74%) aim to ensure their children believe in Santa Claus. They hire a professional actor to play Santa, place gifts under the tree, and stage his arrival, leaving traces on the window and floor, as well as writing response letters to children on behalf of the magician.
In the State Duma, they explained how to choose a quality New Year gift for a child.