Top 10 Ways Kids Ruin Christmas for Parents
Two years ago, I made a list about ways parents ruin Christmas for kids. What about the other way around? This list shows what ruins Christmas for parents, done by the kids.
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Being excessively needy or greedy about what presents they want
Starting with a rather obvious one for the younger kids who dream of getting new and awesome toys for Christmas. They see something and now they want it like mad, so they'll beg their parents to get stuff. Sadly, especially at younger ages, these kids have not understood how much certain presents can cost.
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Not accepting the presents they receive
Kids will always get presents for Christmas, but they will always get presents that they either gloss over or reject entirely (most of the ones rejected entirely are joke gifts but still). The thing is, some of the presents kids often get, like clothes, are actually worthwhile to have in the long run, so the kids should cherish the gifts they get.
I used to do it a lot. I remember getting a jigsaw puzzle when I was four, and for whatever reason, I threw a fit.
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Not understanding important Christmas values
This depends on the values, of course. Some kids may not enjoy certain things parents want them to enjoy for the holiday season, like Christmas food, Christian traditions, etc.
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Not giving presents to their relatives
Either they don't give presents to their relatives, or they give crummy gifts, either one for this item. In any case, December is a gift-giving month, and everyone is out shopping and whatnot. Parents don't demand as much as kids, but they do ask them nicely to do some gift shopping of their own at some point. Kids should remember this.
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Opening gifts before Christmas Day
This shouldn't even happen, but I've seen it happen years ago at a December party with a friend. He opened up two Christmas presents and got scolded for it. I guess some kids can be impatient.
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Ruining family photos
I'm guilty of this, but it's likely that I'm just someone who couldn't sit still. Kids will find taking Christmas photos awkward, while parents would try to at least have composure.
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Eating snacks that were made for Santa
Often, one of the traditions on Christmas Eve is to bake cookies and have milk for Santa. Hungry kids looking for snacks will end up eating these things. It shouldn't happen, but it can.
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Performing poorly in holiday school performances
This one goes out to all the kids who had classes in music, arts, or drama. There is usually a school play or concert dedicated to Christmas time, and parents expect the best from their child in whatever role they have. If performed poorly, kids, this ruins their holiday spirit.
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Not helping with Christmas decorations
This one depends on whether you are interested in Christmas decorations, whether for trees, lights, or whatever. Parents always want their kids to learn how to help others, especially as they get older. The parents may not be able to do a lot of things on their own and could use some help.
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Wanting to do the same activity repeatedly every Christmas
This is a strange item, but think about it. One Christmas, kids may want a lot, and another Christmas, they want a lot again. Another example is if kids want to watch the same Christmas movies repeatedly. The list goes on and on. Parents want each Christmas to be enjoyable but also fun and unique.
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Calling parents liars if they find out Santa is fictional
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Asking to watch kids' shows
Is this referring to watching Christmas specials? That's what I'm thinking with this one.
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Screaming during Christmas dinner
Boy, how many times my sister has done that...