Christmas 2007
Posted By Kathleen David on December 25, 2007
The Three Stages of Present Giving
Stage One: When I was a kid, I anticipated getting gifts. I had lists and sat on Santa’s lap and told him my heart’s desire. Christmas Morning seemed to take forever to arrive. When it did, there would be presents under the tree but we could not touch them except one that was put out for us to open before our parents got up. They were really good about picking something that would distract us from the rest of the goodies under the tree until a more reasonable hour.
Stage Two: As I became an adult, I was all about the giving. I took a lot of time and really tried to find the right gift for the right person. Christmas shopping was year round for me because I was always looking for that one thing that would make my recipient smile or gasp or laugh. I did pretty well. There were some misses but for the most part I got the reaction I wanted.
Stage Three: Now that I am a parent, I get to be the one to help Santa fill what is reasonable on my child’s list. I listen to what she whispers to Santa and then try to fulfill her heart’s desire within reason. I have the joy of watching her face as she opens her gift from Santa. I think I like Stage three the best but the others had their advantages too.
On our plans for the day is present opening, Christmas Brunch, Ariel and I are going to see Sweeny, Peter and Caroline are going to see Waterhorse, and Christmas Dinner. Not a bad day to anticipate.
I am grateful that I am at the third stage but I still enjoy stages 1 and 2 too.
Merry Christmas Kathleen.
Nice to see we’re not the only ones who go out to see a movie on Christmas. Right now it’s a toss-up between Sweeny (which I want) and Alien vs Predator (which the kids want). The kids will win. They always win.
Seasons’ Greetings to all!!! 🙂
I’m sorry that I wasn’t here to wish you all a Merry Christmas earlier in the week. The computer was packed away out of the loungeroom for the last couple of days. We had “our” family’s traditional Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve, my husband’s family over for Lunch Christmas Day, friends over for Christmas Night and my family over for Boxing Day lunch. We’ve had a lovely Christmas this year – we got to spend time with the important people in our lives.
Our kids are grown up, so for the first time in 20+years, there were no carrots or water left on the back deck for the reindeer, and no “White Christmas” and beer on the kitchen table for Santa. There were no kids awake at sunrise either. That was a bit sad, but it’s the rhythm of life.
Have a Happy and Safe start to 2008.