Wanting, Wishing, Hoping… What Gifts Will You Give This Year?
what's in the box?
I don’t know who or what deserves the credit for this (though I’m happy to take it!), but my boys have had to be coaxed and prodded to come up with ideas for what they want for Christmas (which is the gift-giving holiday we celebrate in these parts). Is it my strictness? My older son’s natural semi-obliviousness (he really does live a lot of time inside his precious head)? Non-commercial TV?
I’ve written before about how I don’t buy many (or any) toys, which has led to a relatively sparse playroom. That’s changed in the time since I wrote it, largely because I’ve expanded the boys’ birthday-party experiences to other kids, not solely family (because in my family, the predominant gift is clothes and other necessities, or at least it was in the first few years of their lives, for which I’ve been grateful). So now they do have toys and games, but still they don’t sit around asking me for stuff, or grabbing the Toys R Us circular from the Sunday paper and pointing out their faves. In fact, a couple weeks ago, I showed them the Big Book of Toys or whatever R Us calls it, and they sort of lost interest.
Which does not mean they are not interested in toys; they are. But they aren’t knocking down Santa’s door listing the gifts they expect to receive. The ideas so far:
- Daniel: a microphone. A camera like mom’s.
- James: Cars racecars.
…aaaand, that’s it.
What do I want? Things I’m not getting anytime soon, if ever, such as a mudroom off my kitchen and my formerly-taut midsection. Things that are truly impossible, like more time in my week. And things that seem possible, but remain just out of reach. Like patience. And compassion, and peace.
Many years ago, my dad, at our request, made a short wish list. It read:
- socks
- shirts
- apres ski boots
- peace on earth
I don’t have perfect recall on this, but I’m pretty sure he at least got the socks.
Here’s what I’ll probably get for the boys: More Cars cars, and maybe something to keep them all in. Something art-related, and some books. Some chocolates and little toys for the stockings. A microphone (Daniel wants it, but they’ll sort-of share it). And my old digital camera, with a new battery and memory card to spruce it up.
Here’s what I want to give them:
- more years of un-greedy humility
- more time with their family, both young and old
- a desire, at least, for peace on earth
What are your gift plans for your children?
December 1, 2009 @ 2:22 pm
529 & ESA
December 1, 2009 @ 4:46 pm
My girls are surprisingly ungreedy too. I think my 8-year-old asked for markers or something. Yes, she’ll get the markers, but also a few books, a Justin Roberts cd (love him!), and the piece de resistance, a goldfish in our heretofore pet-free household. The 2-year-old gets a few Richard Scarry books, Animal Scramble (a game from the makers of Hyper-Dash), and maybe a new dress-up dress. It’s all about simplicity here. Until I have last-minute guilt and go out and blow $100 at Target.
December 1, 2009 @ 6:24 pm
My kids don’t have much they want this year. We’re not spending as much on Christmas and instead are taking a family vacation over the winter.
December 1, 2009 @ 9:14 pm
Why not give a karaoke machine? If they want a microphone – then you could take it one step further and make it a family fun thing and do karaoke!
December 2, 2009 @ 6:37 pm
My 12 y/o girl handed me a list and said, “I’m greedy this year! Sorry.” The list? Rollerblades, art supplies, twine, wired ribbon, duct tape, new boots (which she needs), and a decorative knife from the medina. (We live in Morocco) She might not get it all, but I wouldn’t call her greedy.
I like what you’re getting your kids! My 12 y/o boy (they’re twins, yes) made do with my old camera for years, but it has finally died. He’d love a new one but won’t be getting one anytime soon. Maybe next year.
December 3, 2009 @ 7:01 pm
My kids couldn’t think of anything either. Though thanks to over-eager grandparents they have about seventy-five billion more toys than they need anyway. My daughter (who is 3) actually said, “I would like a new toothbrush” when I asked her what she wanted.
December 3, 2009 @ 11:05 pm
Jenn — a new toothbrush? That’s priceless. You should write that down somewhere and show it to your daughter when she’s 16! Thanks for your comment,
Denise
December 3, 2009 @ 8:09 pm
For the first few years of their lives, my kids got very little. They didn’t know any better so why bother? Now at ages 13 and 11, they love to scan the Sunday circulars dreaming of iTouches and digital cameras. I don’t think it’s greed necessarily. We’ve made it clear that they won’t be getting those things because it’s not only way too much money to spend on a child but we also feel it’s important to wish for something…to work towards something. We don’t believe in just handing our kids whatever they want. But I think it’s perfectly ok and in fact a good thing to dream. I don’t want them to feel guilty for wanting nice things. But it’s that anticipation, that drive to work hard for something that builds character. And if I’m a good parent… to instill the act of charity. To give to others who have even less. So far I think we’ve done a good job.
December 12, 2009 @ 5:26 pm
Denise, how lovely. I want my boys to be able to play with your boys someday! I really relate to you on this issue very much.
We’re having trouble coming up with ideas here too. I’ve been wondering what other children their ages are asking for or getting, but am almost afraid to ask because it may not really help to know. My second son only wants a go-cart – not sure where he got this idea – but it’s what he longs for more than anything. I guess he just envisions himself going on all sorts of little-boy adventures on that! Since we don’t live in the US (though we’re moving back soon) they don’t really know what’s “in” and I’m not sure it would matter that much to them anyway.