We're NOT Spoiling him for Christmas...

I love the holidays.  There is a warmth and an undercurrent of excitement that comes along with the holiday season every year.  The decorations, classic television specials, decadent food and gatherings with friends and family make the season bright, to coin a phrase.  All this good cheer and joy is amplified exponentially when you have a child that KNOWS Santa is on the way!

Picard is three now.  For the first time, he is looking forward to Christmas with all the vigor and anticipation that only a child can display.  Just knowing that he is waiting to hear the clicking of reindeer hoofs on our roof makes me want to go all out!  I want him to know that mommy and daddy Santa appreciates how sweet and good and wonderful he is.  However, I don't think it requires going in to debt for some toys that he won't be interested in after Christmas Day.

Therefore, there will not be a plethora of gadgets that sing, boxes that squawk and gizmos that ding.  This is what we've come up with:

Books, Puzzles and Thinking Games:  I think it's pretty ridiculous for kids to only have electronic toys.  Toys are meant to feed and cultivate a child's imagination.  That's so important.  Books are essential for pre-literacy and literacy skills so, that's a given for every holiday.  I think this is the best category on the list.

Undies, Clothes and Shoes: Now that I'm a mother, I totally understand those Christmas boxes stuffed full of undies, socks and clothes that Granny or my Aunts would send.  Think about it, Christmas is an opportune time to replace old clothes, shoes and undies because it's the end of the year!  That stuff is bound to be a little worn due to multiple washes and normal kid wear and tear.

Experiences:  My husband has really changed my mentality when it comes to how I live and what kind of life I want to give our child.  He (my hubby) always talks about us investing in experiences rather than "things".  He is so right!  You're more apt to say "I remember when we went to the zoo that Summer" as opposed to "I remember when I got some miscellaneous toy".

"IT" Toys: Now, I'm not a staunch mom that's too set in  her ways and beliefs for there to be any amount of wiggle room.  I think if you can afford it and it's practical that every kiddie needs one "IT" Toy.

So, that's it!  What are you doing for your kiddies this Christmas?