Making a List and Checking it Twice

It’s that time of year when children everywhere make a list of the toys they want for Christmas. I remember when my children were young, making the wish list each year and finding Santa to tell him about those special toys on the list. My daughter always happily anticipated the event with giddy joy, but not so with my son. He didn’t care who brought him the great toys, he was not going to sit on anyone’s lap that had a big beard, red suit and said “ho-ho-ho”. No amount of bribes could induce him to go near the big fellow, so the picture each year featured a mothers arm and a little boy at arm’s length from Santa, and the face of a very unhappy child.

Later, when my grandson was little, he would see Santa at Dollywood each year, and without fail, he would recite all the many things he wanted for Christmas on the way to see the big fella. When his time came to speak to Santa, he eagerly went forward, climbed on his lap, and was ready to go over his long list. When Santa asked what he wanted for Christmas, he said “a ball.” When asked for more, the stage struck child simply repeated, “a ball.” With nothing else to add, he said goodbye to Santa and got down. Now, you must know, he had many balls and that was not on his original list. When asked why he did not give his list of toys to Santa, he replied that Santa would know, and if he didn’t, then his Mimi (grandmother) would get them. My granddaughter followed in her father’s footsteps, needing bribes and looking very unhappy. She preferred to see Santa at a distance. Quite honestly, my preference for Santa was to look, but not touch, when I was a child. There was always something just a little frightening about “jolly ole Saint Nicholas”. I was always glad “not” to encounter him at my house on Christmas Eve.

It is interesting to watch the faces and actions of all the children approaching Santa, to give their list of wanted toys. There is always a variety of emotions on display. Some children seem eager and happy to be on Santa’s lap. A number of children are hesitant and cautiously approach the Christmas icon. But, there are still those being bribed for the yearly picture with Santa. We (parents) keep them, as golden treasures, regardless of the child’s actions. We collect them and relive the event year after year. And… even though they may have been the one to need bribes, as parents, they keep the tradition. This time it is an enjoyable adventure, no matter what their child thinks. It is, after all their parental rights!

 

Source: K. P. Guessen