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Christmas 2007
Dec. 25th, 2007 07:36 amThe 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.
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.
