November 16, 2010

All I Want for Christmas is.... Everything!

Last year was the first year my daughters grasped the concept of Santa. They finally understood that if you ask him for something, it's probably going to be under the tree Christmas morning. Last September they started asking for Pillow Pets and never strayed from that request. So, Christmas morning, they each found a Pillow Pet under the tree.
This year is proving to be tricky. They are constantly seeing something they want... a bike, a scooter, a doll, you name it. I've tried explaining to them that just because you want something, doesn't mean you will get it... you need to pick one thing and stick to it. Frankly, Santa is done shopping in our house. I buy throughout the year and purposely try to finish shopping before the crowds are out.
It doesn't help that a certain relative essentially told my daughters that Santa is going to bring them the stuffed animals you see at the registers at Kohl's. When I told her I had no intention of buying them, she told the girls "You can ask Santa for whatever you want, just don't expect him to give it to you."
Before you think my daughters are spoiled, I should point out that I know they'll be happy with whatever they find under the tree Christmas morning. I've also talked with them about the less fortunate and how we can help. Our finances are tight, but I'm hoping I can take them to pick out a gift for Toys for Tots or a similar local organization.
Still, the fact that they believe in Santa has its upside. I can still say "You need to behave because Santa is watching," and find myself faced with four well-behaved girls!

7 comments:

Stephanie Barr said...

When I read your title, I thought you were channeling my husband.

Sounds fairly healthy all around.

Quadmama said...

LOL! Now that is funny! Hubby and I have not exchanged gifts since the girls were born. Just not in the budget... and it's more fun to see them so excited.

SarahMarie said...

We are doing the no presents to each other this year (hubby and me). Besides it's so wonderful watching the kids open their presents. My kids, btw, want everything in the Toys-r-Us catalog. :)

MaryAnne said...

My kids want everything this year, too! But I think they will be happy with the simple Christmas we have planned - it's just fun to admire toys in the stores and catalogs!

Suzy said...

Sounds like you (I mean, Santa) need to have the girls make a list of what they want! With a deadline to give you plenty of time to shop, of course. :)

Quadmama said...

The problem is they are constantly changing their minds. I've bought some things they've mentioned and some things they haven't... and I figure come Christmas morning they'll forget about anything on the list that's not there.

Renae said...

We do the same thing- buy things throughout the year as they go on sale (or clearance!) and put them away for Christmas. My guys are still too young to understand that you can request things for Christmas. Today, when we visited Santa Claus and he asked them if there was anything they'd like for Christmas, they both froze. I repeated the question, and Buba said, "a snack." Hee hee hee.

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