Guest Blogger:  Veera

This is my son’s 2nd Christmas, and he will be 3 in a few weeks.  Last year, he didn’t really “get” it.  I mean, it was fun to rip paper and try and pull decorations off the tree, but it cannot compare to the wonder and absolute glee he is experiencing this year.  The discovery of all the mechanical singing Santas and snowmen coincide nicely with his obsession to “press the button?”  Throwing snow at me is wonderful fun (for him, definitely not me).  And thanks to some early Christmas celebrations with family, he has also been well trained in unwrapping gifts, be they his or not.  This does lead to some confusion and frustration when the unwrapped toy is NOT for him but his easily distractable nature comes in handy when this happens.

And I am thankful for his excitement, especially since this Christmas is one of the financially leanest I can remember in my adult life.  I am glad I don’t have to explain why he only has 3 presents to open from me, why he didn’t get the newest electronic gadget, why there are no cookies or as many candies as previous years (ok, this has little to do with financial leanness and more with my conscious attempt to keep them out of the house).  He will be happy to spend time with family, get spoiled with attention, put bows on his head and make a car out of a box.  And although he is more concerned with the getting and not the giving of Christmas, he will have a wonderful time.  And so will I.