Yes, it’s Christmas time. And now, instead of heading to one of those amazing, fun toy stores – I especially love the locally owned, creative ones – I head online. Don’t get me wrong – I love online shopping. But before, when the kids were little and the internet wasn’t so pervasive, toy shopping at Christmas was a very fun pursuit.
Now, it’s all about a budget. The taller the kid, the smaller the gift and the more expensive. It’s just that simple. And, I’ve discovered, the bigger the kid, the more virtual the gift. Gift cards. Video games. iTunes cards. Where’s the fun in that?
The fun is in watching the kids who used to build Lego castles grow up. It’s no longer those squeezable Christmas mornings – but there aren’t any overstimulation, nap-needed, diaper changing moments either. All in all, it’s fun to have big kids, as long as they’re home for the holidays. As long as we’re all together.
So, I’m putting away the photo albums of yesteryear and focusing on the gifts of now. Of today. Of my kids. Who are the only present I need.
