Research by British psychologists found that children’s excitement about Christmas peaks at age six. So parents of six-year-olds are especially likely to want to make this Christmas unforgettable, because children’s perception of holiday wonder is especially emotional at that age.
A survey of 2,000 adults found that six-year-olds react most vividly to Christmas, according to the Daily Mail. This is the age when, parents say, a child’s imagination is at its most developed. It’s when they effortlessly create stories, invent characters, and dream up magical worlds, making the holiday even more enchanting.
A quarter of parents reported that their child’s anticipation reaches a peak when they put on their pajamas and start waiting for the magic. Meanwhile, 15 percent of respondents said their children flatly refuse to go to bed on Christmas Eve.
Perhaps the enthusiasm of the youngest family members is contagious: 87 percent of parents admitted that their children’s excitement makes them feel more festive.
Among the most memorable moments of Christmas for children are meeting Santa in his grotto, singing Christmas carols, and helping to wrap gifts.
More than half of parents said they cried while watching their child celebrate Christmas with so much emotion. About 42 percent reported that they create new family traditions in response to their child’s enthusiasm. Four out of five respondents said they would like to recreate the holiday experiences and traditions they had in their own childhood.
The Most Memorable Christmas Moments When a Child’s Emotions Peak
- Decorating the Christmas tree
- Helping to wrap gifts
- Unwrapping gifts
- Waking up early on Christmas
- Watching holiday movies
- Admiring Christmas lights on houses
- Meeting Santa in his grotto
- Playing in the snow
- Singing Christmas carols
- Refusing to go to bed on Christmas Eve
- Making holiday decorations and gifts
Photo: pixabay.com
