Christmas Joy

Oskar wanted a Nintendo Switch (average price $400), Alva wanted a bear shaped lip balm (average price $3.50). 

Afraid of a repeat from Christmas Past I felt the need to confirm Alva’s wish and ensure she didn’t want anything bigger. However when asked if she wanted anything else she couldn’t think of anything. She was super stoked about this lip balm. 

Fast forward a few weeks. I told Oskar the Switch might not happen since Santa needs to check with the parents before a present is given (and we weren’t 100% sure). He took it in stride and said was happy to have just Pokemon cards since the other present idea (a Lego set) was too expensive (it was $90). 

After many discussions with Martin on the merits and pitfalls of buying the Switch, I went ahead and bought it. Not for Oskar from Santa…It was going to be a present for the entire family from me and Martin. Because: 1) I wanted to ensure it would be shared between the two kids and 2) why does some random dude in red who only shows up once a year get all of the credit for giving the big presents. 

I had it planned. I would keep the Switch hidden and once all of the presents were opened I would do the whole “what’s that over there, it looks like we might have missed one” ala Ralphie’s BB gun present in A Christmas Story. The aim was to allow them time to enjoy the normal presents before bringing out the piece de resistance. 

Christmas morning arrived. The kids opened their presents and were so excited about everything. Whether pretending or not, Oskar was pumped for his Pokemon cards from Santa and Alva couldn’t get over the fact that she got two presents from him including her wished-for bear lip balm and a Hermione stuffie.  There was no mention about not getting the Switch from Santa, not even a beat was missed. 

The crowning moment was when Oskar opened up the big present from Martin and I. The Lego Space Station 3-1 roller coaster that he really wanted but said it was probably too much for Santa. He said it was the best present he had ever received and then he proceeded to open it up and build the entire thing for the next two hours. Side note: he told me that I specifically give the best presents. I had to remind him the legos were from both me and Martin. Mama for the win! 

And the Switch present secretly hidden in the corner waiting to be “discovered” was never brought out. They were having too much fun to ruin the Christmas magic with a video game. They have plenty of years to come when that is all that they want. For now, we will let them enjoy the smaller things. And if and when they ask for a Switch again, I am more than happy to revisit the decision and maybe buy it again.

Side Note 2: Mom Dilemma; the Switch was going to be the present to save Christmas in case Oskar was disappointed that he didn’t get it. He wasn’t disappointed at all and was genuinely happy with what he got. So in theory I was going to reward him for not being grateful. Instead, he was incredibly grateful for what he got and so I am not giving him the present? Is that bad? 

Final Memory: Alva went to bed Christmas night hugging her new stuffed toy and Oskar woke up  at sunrise on Boxing Day to play with the Lego coaster and to organize his Pokemon cards in his new Pokemon binder.