WITH another Covid Christmas ahead of us, many children are concerned that Santa will be a no show this year.
However, an Irish psychotherapist has revealed ways parents can reassure their children that Santa will pay households a visit in two weeks time.
Joanna Fortune, psychotherapist specialising in Child & Adult Psychotherapy said that slowing things down could help boost the Christmas spirit during these Covid times.
Speaking to Sean Moncrieff on Newstalk, she said: “A lot of us came hurtling out of Halloween straight into Christmas.
“We felt we needed to focus on something positive because there was so much negative narrative.
“But it’s quite hard to maintain two months of Christmas high, especially for children.”
CHILDREN CONCERN
Newstalk listeners explained that some of their kids are concerned with the present side of Christmas, and that Santa might not bring as many presents as usual.
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Fortune explained: “Of course Santa is coming and Covid doesn’t apply.
“No matter what we like to say Christmas does revolve around a lot of gifts. It’s hard for children to get their heads around (the other aspects).”
Fortune suggested slowing things down by picking Christmas themed activities each week.
She said: “Maybe slow things down by choosing one Christmas-focused activity each week.
“It could be we’re going to write our cards and post them, or we’re going to wrap some gifts, or we’re going to do some decorating. And maybe choose one family Christmas film to watch together each week. You can then cross those off on a calendar.
“You could let your little one make, bake or buy small gifts they’re going to give to others. Choose some family members, siblings or parents, whatever it might be. It doesn’t have to be a load of gifts.”
TIME FOR GIVING
Another way for children to understand that Christmas doesn’t revolve around presents is to teach them the importance of giving to others.
Fortune said parents and children could bake and give their treats to a hostel or old folks home.
She said: “Leave them at a hostel where homeless people are staying, or at an elder person’s home in your community.
“It’s not always affordable or possible for everybody, but if you have some scope to add a couple of tins or non-perishable items to contribute to a food drive… and call them your ‘share food items’.
“I think that’s very helpful in instilling in kids that Christmas is about something more than ‘I want, I want, I want’.
“They’re at the receiving end of a bombardment of marketing and ads of toys. It’s quite natural for our children to want, want, want. It doesn’t make them commercial little monsters.
“But we have a great opportunity to instil that there’s more to this Christmas season.”