play santa

As much as kids love Christmas, and cool presents to open up, and the hopes of new cool toys, parents have to love playing Santa. That dance of joy when they get something they like is priceless (as the commercials will tell you). I mean, really, that IS why the old guy hangs around, isn't it? Still there are some dilemmas, aren't there. When I was growing up, one year I really, really, really wanted a chemistry set. When Christmas got here, there were two big presents for three kids. A chemistry set and a slotted hockey game. Cool gifts yay! for us to share.. not so yay. I mean, it was cool that I got what I wanted, but really really uncool to have to share it. My perspective on it as an adult is much more forgiving than it was as a kid. That chemistry set was a big, nice one, and it probably cost a good bit. More than they could pay for each of us... so they did what they could. Here's the other part of the story. The chemistry set sat in the garage (definately not an in the house activity) unused for most of its "life." Sure, one or the other of us would do this experiment or that now and then, but... Let's just say none of us turned out to be chemists, or pharmacists.

This year there have been many, many things that Raine has wanted Santa to bring her. Is there a commercial on? If it isn't pink, she probably wants it. Still, the thing at the top of her list has been Spike the dinosaur. For anyone not familiar, that is a fairly large (2 foot tall?) radio controlled long neck dinosaur. Very cool and fun for Christmas day. But, what about afterwards? I mean she loves dinosaurs, but she has several large ones that come out once a month or so. She got several RC things last year that hardly ever get played with... and need new batteries every time she pulls them out. 5-year-olds are not good at turning things off when they are done playing. They just aren't. SO here is the Santa dilemma. Get the toy that you know will make the eyes light up on Christmas, or go for something you know your kid will play with and play with and play with. Something that she asked for, mind you, just not _the_ thing. We went with the long haul toys this year. I hope it is the right choice... but only time will tell.