Shopping with the kids

Here's how I handle shopping at Walmart (or any other place) with my kids (3 1/2, 2, and 4 1/2 months pregnant!)- especially during the Holiday season. Both of my kids have a bit of their mother's Type A- they want to know what's going to happen, what is expected of them, and what they can expect of me. Very routine oriented.
A few months ago we memorized this Bible verse, "God has been very good to me." Genesis 33:11 It is printed on a cup that Eli uses. We randomly talk about how God has been good to us (always a good exercise).
Here is the talk we have before we enter the store:
"What's in a few days?" "Christmas!" "That's right, Christmas! And, the store has a lot of toys and fun things out on the shelves. We can look at them and talk about them, but we're not going to touch them or get cranky about wanting them, right? What's our Bible verse?" And, we recite it together. "That's right. When we see something we like and want to touch, let's remember that God has been very good to us and thank Him for the toys and food we have at our house." And, we proceed to go shop.
There were maybe 3 times we stopped and recited our verse together. It just helps deflect the tension from the item (like sliced cheese, yes, that was one of today's "must haves"). And, since it's an agreed to plan beforehand there is no issue with the kids. And, we all (including shoppers around us) enjoy our adventure in the stores.
May you and yours enjoy the hustle and bustle of the season- it was a busy time when our Savior was born too!