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If you’ve ever been a guest blogger then you will agree with me when I say, it’s a tough gig. If you haven’t…then let me just tell you, it’s a tough gig. I’m not sure why but it is much harder to come up with something to post on someone else’s blog. I mean I can post random drivel on my blog all day long, but it seems like a guest post should say something, you know, important. Unfortunately for all of you, I just don’t have anything of great importance to say. Well, nothing except this…
I hate Santa. Don’t worry, I’ll wait while everyone boos and heckles and throws stones. Done? Okay good. Now let me explain. I love Christmas. Honestly, I do. I love the meaning. I love the tree. I love the gift wrapping. I love the chocolate covered cherries. I mean I really really love the chocolate covered cherries. But I do not like Santa. Sure he is a jolly old dude dressed up in a furry red suit. I mean you would think that alone would be enough to make me smile and pat the old fellow on the back, but it’s not happening folks, because Santa makes kids greedy…
A few weeks ago a rather large ad came in the Sunday paper. At first my kids looked through it without saying much and went on about their business. The next day however, the ad made it’s second (and final) appearance along with a couple of blank sheets of paper. Within twenty minutes those papers were totally full of all the super-cool things my kids were going to ask Santa for.
I looked over their lists, including things like TV’s and Playstations, and I said, through gritted teeth… “Don’t you think you are being a little greedy? Some of the things on your lists are pretty expensive and you are both asking for quite a few things, don’t you think.”
My boys both looked at me like I’d grown a green spike out of the center of my forehead. “Uhh, mom,” my seven year old started. “Santa has elves. And the elves make all the toys in a magical workshop. So Santa doesn’t really have to buy anything.”
Magical toy-making elves! Honestly, whoever came up with this concept should get a slap. At this point, I think I may have counted to ten, locked myself into the bathroom and screamed into a bath towel, and then I’m fairly certain I composed myself enough to explain that even though Santa’s fantastic little magic wielding elves were in charge of all gifts, there was no way the two of them were going to ask for every gift in the old dude’s workshop. I was moments away from telling them the whole shebang. But then I remembered that this year they go to their Dad’s house for Christmas. So I will let the fantasy live on for another year, but next year… I make no promises.
Thanks so much Kimi! I think we have all hated Santa (at least as parents) at one time or another. Go check out Kimi's blog at So Many Kids, So Little Time
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I completely agree (also waiting for the stone throwing) ! I hate the commercialism and more so the materialism of Christmas. Spencer used to be perfectly contented getting play-do and now every year his list gets longer and longer. We limit what we get but unfortunately my in-laws think it's a time to get everything they want and more.
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree! This is our last year of Santa, too!
ReplyDeleteHi Kimi...I migrated over. :) Nice post.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts on Santa? Well, since it derived from St. Nicholas and he was a generous fellow who helped the poor (his Feast Day is December 6!) I try to take the opportunity to remind my kiddos about the true meaning of gifts and generosity and to keep in mind all the things they have, what they really need and THEN fill out those lists. So, sure, I get the gigantic lists at first...but they get pared down pretty quickly before they are mailed to santa! :) Happy Holidays!
I mean this with the utmost respect & humor when I say---it's times like these I'm glad to be Jewish. LOL! No Santa at our house!
ReplyDeleteIn all seriousness, I can still relate, however---our kids may not have Santa visiting them, but they still know Hanukkah is coming and that they get presents (but not on every night for 8 nights). Oy!
Great writing!! Hate is such a strong word LOL I am just kidding I totally agree. Really I would just like to take credit for the awesome gifts my kids recieve.
ReplyDeleteI like Santa...but it's funny...I've always told them the truth...they just won't believe me! They think we only get stockings from Santa...so they don't ask him for big stuff...it won't fit. Somehow it hasn't been a big deal. Come over for a visit. Holly at lifelaughlatte
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that santa makes kids greedy. It is hard enough trying to teach them the real meaning without the media driven crap getting in the way.
ReplyDeleteSo fun to read Kimi's guest post!! I still like Santa though. :)
ReplyDeleteI have eliminated a little bit of the greed and want in my house by explaining to my children that since baby Jesus recieved three gifts on his birthday from wise men; Santa continues the tradition and brings only three presents. So make them count!
ReplyDeleteYeah, Santa is the bearer of bad manners, but I still love helping my daughte write her letter to Santa every year.
ReplyDeleteThat was good! We never have done the Santa thing.
ReplyDeleteHAHA ! Kimi is the best! Even though I am not a parent yet, I teach, and believe me, I have to deal with the "SANTA thing" all of the time! I just can't stand it, here we are trying to teach our kids to be thankful for all that we have, and understand that not every child gets toys on Christmas and then we go an fill their heads with magic (which don't get me wrong is wonderful in one type of way) but then when they get older we snatch the magic away and they suddenly have to quicklywake up to reality...poor kids, its not their fault :)
ReplyDeleteAll I have to say is watch the look on most little kids faces when they sit on Santas lap? I don't think they are enamored. I'll take Thanksgiving any day of the year!
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