This is actually Arthur's second Christmas, but last year he was so small he didn't really know what was happening. This year, at 16 months, trees, lights, decorations, that big fat bearded chap dressed in red, and gifts (well at least the boxes they come in!) will all capture his endless curiosity. Like many parents, his dad and I are thinking about what Christmas will be for our family. Like birthdays, we want it to be a special occasion, with lots of fun and joy and celebration, but without too much commercialism, or ridiculous expense.
Our culture of course means that you can't have a conversation about a child's Christmas without the mention of Santa / Father Christmas / St Nick, or whatever it is you call him in your house. We decided we are 'doing' Santa, but as we got deeper into that conversation, we discovered we had radically different expectations of how Santa works, based on our own childhood experiences.
For me, Santa brought of of little things; some knickers and socks were a regular feature, some chocolate, one or two small toys, a couple of books. For him, Santa bought just one big special thing. He always felt sad for kids who's Santa bought them clothes! My Mum and Dad always got me a nice present, whereas for him there was nothing at all from his parents (only Santa!). I would have felt sad for him!
As a result of our own experiences, I have been collecting up list of all the things Arthur needs, like some PJ's, vests, trousers, and some little toys he has shown interest in, like a pot and pan set and a dustpan and brush. Daddy on the other hand has been thinking of a tricyle or ride on toy. I'm not sure we've fully decided how to proceed as yet, but we are aware there is no rush - he is unlikely to remember this year anyway, so if he has the excitement of unwrapping lots of things (even if they are vests that I would have to buy him anyway) he wont necessarily expect lots of things next year. So for now, we can go ahead with my little stocking plan. He could also get a tricycle, but it will probably arrive when the weather is more tricycle friendly and his legs are a longer and more coordinated (perhaps for his birthday). By next year though we are hoping we'll have a definite plan in place.
Other Christmas things we'll do? We'll have a tree with lights, maybe we'll make something with holly to stick on the front door, we'll hang the cards as our decorations and we will spend the big day with extended family, and enjoy giving. If the weather is good, we might head into our town centre for the switching on of the lights next week, and we may go to that garden centre where they have the reindeer one day. I think that's enough, don't you?
So, how about you? What are your Christmas Traditions? Does Santa visit your house? What does he bring? Please share your ideas with us using the comments below.
