When I was a kid I used to wake up on Christmas morning to a room overflowing with gifts. Everything I could possibly want and more. Like most kids I anxiously awaited the BIG day. When it was all said and done I was so happy with all of my presents. I really appreciated how lucky I was. But I don't know if my parents ever knew it.
Now, raising my own kids, I find myself in the situation most parents find themselves in this time of year - how much is too much? As I wander the toy aisles or brainstorm at home about what to get the kids this year i create a list a mile long. I want them to get everything they want. I want them to get everything I think they should have. With the re-release of many of the toys that were popular when we were kids, Brandon and I struggle not to buy our kids all the stuff we never got.
Every year as we spend countless hours wrapping dozens and dozens of gifts, I begin to freak out, wondering if we have bought enough to transform the living room into a virtual elf storage room, the magical room it was for me when I was a kid. I usually run out and pick up "just a few more things" to make the day more special.
Then comes Christmas morning. As they come down the stairs, and begin to get a peek of the gift-fest below, their eyes widen & they jump and squeal with excitement. "Mommy!" "Daddy!" "Aaahh, look what I got!" Yes, that's what we were hoping for.
But 2 weeks later, when several toys have yet to be touched, and others are tucked half under the couch with the twist ties still attached, I make an announcement. It is the same announcement I've made year after year, "Next year we're not buying this much!"
And this year, we're actually sticking to it!
TO BE CONTINUED....
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