At the risk of spoiling our children we went wacko buying Christmas gifts for the kids this year. I try all season to beat it into their heads what the TRUE meaning of Christmas is, and the bonus ideas that come of it.
"Lucy, what's the true meaning of Christmas?"
"Jesus' birthday."
"And what's the other true meaning."
With a monotone boredom in her voice, "Sharing and giving to others."
Sigh. It's hard for me to hold back the other points of Christmas: a time for family to drive us crazy only to open up the gift they have selected for you. It's a perfect communication of whether they love you, or know you at all. And then there's baking. That's an important factor of Christmas, yes? Do you think Mary carefully deliberated on what kind of snacks to have out when all of those visitors came? Triscuits or Ritz. Spinach artichoke dip or Queso. I'm sure she was heavily conflicted on the dietary restraints and preferences of the three wise men, as giving birth to the Messiah wasn't enough, she was going to have to wow them with delicious food.
Ricardo and I had so much fun shopping for the kids. We let them tell santa one item they want for Christmas. That's because santa and the reindeer can only carry so much for the 4 millionish children of the WORLD. Lucy's request proved that she is indeed sharp. She opted to go really vague: A princess doll. What's that? Crap. Max asked for a Nebraska football helmet. You can imagine my delight of greatness that I revelled in when he asked for it, I'd already had it stored in the house. I'm THAT good, people. Woohoo! The kids visited santa about 3 weeks before Christmas. 3 DAYS before Christmas, Max pleaded with the both of us that he needed to tell santa he was "just joking" that what he REALLY wanted for Christmas was Roller Shoes. Super. Santa brought him his helmet. Mommy and Daddy gave him the roller shoes. All is right with the world.
Just when the kids were getting whiney and we were concerned that we were spoiling them, Christmas came and we were reminded of how gracious our kids are.
Ricardo explained last night, "I just almost cried." Apparently Max had come up to him and said, "Dad, thanks for my modified (that's a specialty race car). It's off the CHIZNAY!" He's four. And we are so proud that we've taught our four-year-olds gratittude and the language of Snoop. God Bless us one and all.
That's how I roll.
Everything Max opened, he exclaimed very emphatically "It's just what I wanted!!!"
And don't forget Lucy... we gave them reindeer food to put out for Santa's reindeer on Christmas Eve. When she opened it (Which was just a bag of oatmeal) she got a real confused and disappointed look on her face. Then MOTR said "It's reindeer food!" Lucy's face just totally light up and she got the biggest smile on her face. IT was SOOOOOO Cute.
You both do a great job with your kids. They are so thankful and really care if you like what they got for you. (Especially MOTR, the earrings are "to die for")
It was so heart warming to see them!!!