It's no secret that most of the U.S. is suffering from a financial depression of sorts. We're feeling it. I know my siblings are feeling it. The toughest part of depressions is explaining it to the kids. How does one tell a 5 year old that Santa probably can't afford to bring a $40.00 Barbie doll that should never come out of it's package, a mini atv, or whatever $100 craze is out there these days? Santa is all knowing and all powerful - money isn't an issue, right?
To escape the constant baggering from Jessica this year about the fairness of Santa Claus and trying to teach her the importance of being somewhat humble and grateful for what she has- especially in our humble financial crunch, I finally explained to her that parents have to PAY Santa to bring toys. "Do you really think he has all the money in the world? Parents give Santa what they can and he makes do with it to bring you the best of what you want. Your parents can't afford what you are asking for so you'll have to go light on Santa this year." She was a little subdued by that comment and quit asking for stuff - sort of. She really wanted that Barbie doll and when she saw the Furreal cat she asked if we could get it for her birthday (5 months away).
So maybe I was a bit harsh. . .? For a homework assignment she had to write a letter to Santa. Most of the kids had theirs written and turned in the next day although they were given a week. We were busy and didn't get around to it for a few days. Finally she wrote:
Dear Santa,
I've been a good kid, so bring me anything for a girl.
Love,
Jessica
Okay if she didn't have a dejected look on her face like she would get in trouble for asking for anything specific, I probably would have laughed out loud. Fortunately Grandma came through for her. Not only did Mom and Dad get her the $40.00 Furreal cat (the one destroyed below by little sister), but Grandma got her that $40.00 Barbie doll I told her was too expensive and unnecessary. Grandma's excuse - "Did you see how her face lit up when she got what she wanted?" Hmmm. Leave it to Grandma to spoil her rotten. Somehow even in a financial depression, Santa always manages to come through. . .
To escape the constant baggering from Jessica this year about the fairness of Santa Claus and trying to teach her the importance of being somewhat humble and grateful for what she has- especially in our humble financial crunch, I finally explained to her that parents have to PAY Santa to bring toys. "Do you really think he has all the money in the world? Parents give Santa what they can and he makes do with it to bring you the best of what you want. Your parents can't afford what you are asking for so you'll have to go light on Santa this year." She was a little subdued by that comment and quit asking for stuff - sort of. She really wanted that Barbie doll and when she saw the Furreal cat she asked if we could get it for her birthday (5 months away).
So maybe I was a bit harsh. . .? For a homework assignment she had to write a letter to Santa. Most of the kids had theirs written and turned in the next day although they were given a week. We were busy and didn't get around to it for a few days. Finally she wrote:
Dear Santa,
I've been a good kid, so bring me anything for a girl.
Love,
Jessica
Okay if she didn't have a dejected look on her face like she would get in trouble for asking for anything specific, I probably would have laughed out loud. Fortunately Grandma came through for her. Not only did Mom and Dad get her the $40.00 Furreal cat (the one destroyed below by little sister), but Grandma got her that $40.00 Barbie doll I told her was too expensive and unnecessary. Grandma's excuse - "Did you see how her face lit up when she got what she wanted?" Hmmm. Leave it to Grandma to spoil her rotten. Somehow even in a financial depression, Santa always manages to come through. . .
1 comment:
i am really glad grandma came through... and doing what she can to put magic back in christmas
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