.. and Matchboxes.. and Dinosaurs.....and don't forget the Play-doh. We hadn't even carved the turkey, and my 3-year-old was busy paging through the ads... deciding what he wants for Christmas.
This is the first year he fully understands how "Santa Claus" works. We've talked to him about the real meaning of Christmas, but like any kid, he is focused on the PRESENTS. I'm sure his mind is working overtime, trying to figure out how this big man, wearing a red suit is going to deliver his "16 inch, Fisher Price, T-Rex Mountain Play Set" with:
- T-Rex skull detail on front with light up eyes and roaring sounds that activate when figure is placed inside the mouth.
- A small predator dinosaur and caveman figure.
- A trees, plants and other traps that fall on figures or dinos when activated.
- Home to T-Rex and the predator tribe of the Imaginext Dinosaur line.
...he knows what he wants.
Here is where I get discouraged. Yes, he will find "T-Rex Mountain" under the tree. ( his Grandma Watson is stepping in as Santa for this one....Thanks Mom!) And while I absolutely can't wait to see his face when rips off that paper... when do I emphasize the difference between "need" and "want?"
I know it will likley take many, many years for my children to understand how lucky they are to have a home with food in the fridge and toys to play with. I just wonder how the "commercialization" of Christmas is helping my quest for compassionate kids. It certainly makes our job as parents tougher.
