This is a great question! I have so many conflicting thoughts on this topic. Thankfully, my daughter is only 2, so many of the toughest questions I don't have to worry about yet! Even at 2, my daughter wants to put on make-up. The conditioning starts early for us.

My wonderful MIL is from Poland, and they celebrate a version of St. Nicholas Day - so my family celebrates both! @ Hannah Scott - Thank you for asking this question! I really enjoy hearing about the different practices of our multi-cultural families!

Hahaha.

The big debate in my house has always been: do we wrap the presents or set them up so the kids can meet them ready to be played with!? I love to watch their faces as they unwrap gifts, but it can be hard when they have to wait patiently for us to put the thing together!

I was told the same as a child! I am hoping my kids aren't that clever yet!

I love this poll because it requires me to be more deliberate about spending. As my little people get older, I need to pay closer attention since everything seems to get more expensive!

Haha! This is the same reason why we had a live tree for exactly one Christmas! Those needles could be found for months!

Am I the only one who uses the candy as leverage for good behavior (my 2 year old especially)?

We try to put up the tree the day after Thanksgiving. But, this year, the kids were super excited, and we had an unusually long rainy weekend - so we put up our small basement Christmas Tree in October.... yes, October.

I feel like this is getting easier as they get older (out of toddler years) but harder on me as I get older :)

I love this rule, but - of course - I don't follow it. I tend to go overboard for Christmas!

Is it terrible that I don't take my kids to see Santa? We have a special holiday tradition with our in-laws where someone dresses up as Santa and brings them presents - that's enough, right?!

Honestly, sensitive skin runs in my family and my kids are no exception! I started washing because I’m worried about chemicals from the factory... though I’m not sure that’s even a thing!?

I'd love to hear more from others on how strict they are about washing new clothes before use. I try to do it with most clothes, but the clothes get worn out so quickly! I have laid off the practice with sweaters and nicer clothes that I fear sending through the wash...

My kids are still little (2.5 and 5), and I still love when they get really thoughtful educational/ developmental toys!

What a great idea! I hadn't even thought of it, but it's perfect for Halloween! My kids would love this too!

I think my little ones would prefer washable tattoos, but I would love to hear from other folks!

Totally this! They are kids too! Also, if they are staying out of trouble, then I am happy to give them some treats!

This is a great poll! I am thinking of introducing the elf! I have heard it gets good behavioral results :)

This is all super-helpful. We have family that recently moved to Orlando, and we are trying to decide when is the best time to go to Disney - my kids are 2.5 and 5. Based on all these thoughtful comments, we might wait until the little one is 3 or so.