I wanted Cabbage Patch Kids. My husband wanted Teddy Ruxpin. And there were toys like Lite-Brite, Garfield, Casey the Talking Robot and Care Bears! Thirty plus years ago, these were the must-have toys for the holiday season. I had several of these toys growing up. I can remember making a list for Santa and hoping and praying I would get that one “perfect gift” I had been wanting for months.
The Perfect Gift
Now, I am the parent, and my son has his heart set on the hottest toy of 2016…the Hatchimal, which means it’s nearly impossible to find in stores. It’s the one gift that’s sold out everywhere and being auctioned off online to the highest bidder.
I’m that parent who is desperately stalking the aisles of Toys ‘R’ Us, hoping to score one of those coveted eggs. With only a couple weeks before Christmas, what’s a parent to do when they can’t get that one item their child wants from Santa? Do I risk disappointing my child this Christmas?
One Christmas when I was younger—I believe I was around the age of 10—I was convinced that I was getting a puppy. I prayed for one, wrote thousands of letters to Santa, and truly believed there would be a cute puppy under the tree that year. I even thought I heard a bark in the middle of the night on Christmas Eve. To my disappointment and utter heartache, there was no puppy under the tree that morning. I was crushed, blamed my parents and hated Santa. That was the Christmas I stopped believing.
What Should I Do?
My son is only five and I still want him to believe. I know there’s more meaning to the holiday season than Santa and receiving presents. We continuously discuss the real reason for the season. We set up a nativity scene, have an advent calendar, donate toys to Cedars, ring bells for the Salvation Army, read books, and discuss what Christmas is truly about. BUT I still want to give my little boy the perfect gift from Santa.
I do have backup gifts in place, as well as a letter from Santa saying, “I’m very sorry, but the elves are still waiting on the Hatchimals this year. One will be sent to your house very soon!” But is this going to be enough? He is so excited for Christmas! The tree is decorated, the gingerbread house is made and the holiday music is on repeat.
I am hoping that if I can’t find this “perfect gift” that it won’t ruin his Christmas and that he’ll remember the true meaning behind the season.
Do you have any advice for Mallory? Leave a comment!
Mallory Connelly
Babies & Toddlers
In addition to the time I devote to being a mom, I also work full-time outside the home, which means my day is hardly ever as simple as nine to five. With an all-too-established schedule, as soon as I walk through the door, my day doesn’t end, but rather just begins. It’s a balancing act, especially with two children, but being a mom is one full-time job that I never want to quit!
