Texas Kids May Not Be Happy With This Year's Christmas Gifts

So what do you want for Christmas?

What Happened To Christmas?

One of my most vivid memories from my childhood is waiting for the Sears catalogue (yes, I've dated myself). The arrival of the super-thick "Wish Book" gave kids a chance to see the latests available toys and the opportunity to circle all of the ones we wanted so Santa had the ultimate tip sheet. I don't think there was a year that I circled less than a hundred things in hopes that a precious few would be dropped off Christmas morning.

Gift Giving

There's a reason for the story I set you up with. Christmas was always the best day of the year for kids because it was really all about being a kid. So it seems completely unfair that someone/parents would take that day and make it about something else. Yes, I understand that you should always "accept a gift in the spirit of which it's given" but it's tough to impart that kind of highbrow philosophy to an eight year old who want to latest video game or something fun.

The Downer

So here's what I'm getting to; when surveyed about their upcoming Christmas shopping, parents said that "clothes" were #1 on their shopping list. Yes, clothes are a perfectly acceptable Christmas gift, but the last I heard, the elves at the North Pole were there to make toys not to knit sweaters. Again, clothes are okay, but they make for an "okay" Christmas. It's just hard to imagine a kid saying "Ohhh Cool!" to any pair of pants.

Is It The Budget?

I certainly hope the answer to this question is not due to financial reasons. I understand if the budget is tight and you are buying clothes for their dual function as a necessity and a gift. If it's not, then to co-opt a phrase, how about we make Christmas great again? Hopefully you ca find a little budget for something that kids can use to get them excited about the season and maybe stimulate their creativity and imagination. Happy Christmas!