Christmas List

Santa Claus’s Christmas List

“He’s making a list, and checking it twice, gonna find out who’s naughty or nice. . .” are words to a traditional holiday carol sung every year. Traditionally, Santa Claus makes two lists: one for "bad" children and one for "good" children. The bad children would receive coal in their stockings or no presents at all. Good children would receive items on their own Christmas list.

Most kids mail their Christmas list to Santa Claus or deliver it during a visit at the local mall or park. Some newspapers are even moving to publishing letters to Santa during the holiday season.

Children’s Lists

Writing a list seems to be one of the easiest and most fun tasks of the season for children. However, some thought should go into a list before submitting a list to Santa, mom, or grandma. Typically included items are:

• Toys
• Clothing
• Electronics
• Large items, such as cars or vacations

Most parents want to purchase the larger ticket items for their children as a gift from either themselves or from Santa Claus. This leaves ample room for consideration for grandparents.

Think about writing two separate lists for grandparents. This can eliminate overlapping of gifts. It also takes into consideration how each set of grandparents feels about purchasing gifts. If one set prefers to buy “practical” items, like clothing, school supplies, and computer items, write a list with those items for that set. Conversely, if the other set enjoys buying toys and fun items, consider writing a list geared towards those grandparents.

Unique Shopping List Ideas

Trying to come up with creative ideas for your Christmas shopping list? You probably have quite a few people to buy for: work gift exchanges, parents, husband/wife, children, extended relatives, close friends, and neighbors. While many people stick with the list that their significant other or child gave them, the shopper may still want to get something unique as a surprise to the recipient.

Ideas to consider when trying to finish off that shopping list include:

• Concert or theatre tickets
• Savings bonds or contribution to college savings accounts
• Personalized jewelry, such as an ID bracelet, engraved watch, or mother’s ring
• Gift certificate to a local photographer to use for a family/personal portrait or to purchase works suitable for framing
• Contribution to a favorite charity
• Calendar with personal photographs
• Homemade items, like favorite cookies, pies, or clothing
• Pampered pet novelties, like rhinestone collars and gourmet treats

Unique gifts do not have to be costly. As long as your Christmas list contains items geared towards what a person enjoys, whether rock-climbing or household cleaning, it will be one of the most appreciated items you buy on your list.

Although Christmas can seem overwhelming, having a list or two for shopping can help cut down on time and make the process entirely easier. Whether you help your child write one to Santa, give one to grandma, or you write your own, having a neatly organized list is one way to help assure your place on Santa’s “nice” list.