I’ve got a Christmas confession to make: I’m not sure there’s going to be anything under the tree for my baby boy to unwrap.
No, there’s not a budget shortfall. No, I don’t love his older sisters more than I love him. No, there haven’t been any major toy recalls (that I know about, anyway).
Really, it’s just that he’s got everything he needs. And even if we weren’t in the midst of trying economic times, I’d still be loathe to spend aimlessly.
He doesn’t need any toys or books or stuffed animals. He’s got plenty of sleepers and strollers already. What the kid needs is diapers and wipes, but that would probably rank just above coal in the stocking.
Oh [bleep]. I don’t have a stocking for him either.
Besides diapers and wipes, he could use a toy box and a bookshelf. But neither of those are exactly easy to wrap (and then unwrap), and they’d look pretty lame sitting empty on Christmas morning.
He does have several items of clothings – new with tags, as they say on eBay – in his closet and dresser drawers. And he likes remotes and cell phones and those springy things that are screwed into the baseboards to keep doorknobs from slamming into the wall. I suppose I could wrap up all of that stuff and then just take pictures of the unwrapping process, not the contents of the boxes.
With the girls, it’s easier because they’re older and express interest in various things. I may not be able to honor every wish, but at least I have a good idea what will be a hit.
Plus, he plays with all of their toys that I’ve saved, most of which are in great condition. Sure, the books have seen some wear and tear, but when a kid spends more time eating board books than reading them, he’s really not in a position to complain that his books have been “pre-gnawed.” Especially if all he can say is “Mama” and “Dada.”
So why does it matter? It looks like it will be the five of us for Christmas, so there won’t be any guests to impress (or disappoint). And while the festivities will no doubt be captured on film, it’s not as if any of my pictures since 2004 have made it into an album.
I guess I’ll console myself with the reminder that he’s not even a year old and that at this age, kids prefer boxes and wrapping paper anyway.
Author: Mile High Mamas
