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Day 4 - The quiet leap from “wish” to “promise” can turn a cheerful list into a Christmas morning flashpoint. We explore how kids interpret lists as expectations, why that creates friction, and the simple language you can use to keep the joy high and the drama low. Drawing from real family moments, we break down a short pre-holiday conversation that validates hope, sets loving boundaries, and gives you room to surprise. You’ll hear how to introduce clear limits without sounding harsh, and how to use the top-three method so your child feels heard while you stay realistic about budget and values.

By the end, you’ll have a simple toolkit for expectation-setting, prioritizing, and designing an unwrapping sequence that feels fair and fun. If you’re ready to swap uncertainty for clarity and keep the magic intact, press play and try the script with your kids tonight. If this helped, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s staring at a mile-long list, and leave a quick review to tell us your favorite expectation hack.

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