Christmas List 2009

Ever since Nick learned how to write, I have saved his Christmas lists.  Beyond just seeing how his handwriting has changed over the years, it’s fun to look back and see how his tastes and interests have changed from year to year as well.  This year, it took him seemingly forever to make his list.  He’s not the type of kid to rattle off a hundred things he thinks he needs.  He never has been.  He is very careful about putting together his list, thinking long and hard about what he wants, and going through catalogs for inspiration. Even though he might drag me in front of the tv to see the occasional toy commercial geared towards kids, I have lectured long and hard about needs versus wants, and it’s a message that seems to sink in with him. Although, of course, sometimes when you’re seven years old a DS game is a need.

So, this years’ list.  I can’t tell you how much it touches my heart that he, on his own, includes his sister (and this year, me) on his Christmas list.  He sat and thought about what Madeline might want or need.  One of her new words in recent weeks is “tights,” and she routinely decides every morning whether it will be socks or tights.  And let me assure you, what she decides goes, and there are no two ways about it.  He added cars because the two of them love zipping little cars around the floor when I’m getting dinner together.  Of course, that’s going on in the kitchen.  Under my feet.  And through my legs.  When I’m trying to cook.  But that notwithstanding, it’s something they’ve been having fun doing lately.  And the books for her?  That just goes without saying.  Story time is big in our house, with several books being read nightly.  Nick sometimes takes the leads and reads Madeline her stories, and I love that.  She loves it because it’s her big brother and she can usually push him for one more … one more … one more book.  I love it because it’s a great way for him to practice reading, and learn even more new words.

As for the presents he thinks I need … I love that if he can’t spell a word yet, he spells it phonetically.  You still instantly know the intention.  That’s how I knew the first word was magazines.  And sneakers.  I lost my pair in the move back in August (don’t ask me how we have a little list of “lost” items when the move was in the same neighborhood!).  I did without them for months because I knew they just had to turn up in a box eventually.  Right?  Yeah, not so much.  I eventually gave up last month and bought another pair, but I don’t think he’s noticed.  I love that he remembered something important to me was missing.

I have, surprisingly, finished 90% of my Christmas shopping, and had as of a week or so ago.  For some reason, this year, I’m more organized than ever.   I think it’s because knowing I have only myself to rely on to get everything done, I had to be more organized.  Whatever the reason, I’ll take it.  I love the feeling that I’m ahead of the game and can actually relax and enjoy the holidays.  It’s feeling very Zen and it’s certainly something I can get used to.

Christmas List 2008

Christmas List 2006

I know somewhere in the depths of the Sweetnicks’ archives, I have posts with Nick’s 2007 and 2005 Christmas lists, but now, for the life of me, I can’t find them.

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