wearmanyhats

Christmas at Laura Ingalls Wilder’s house is an interesting affair to readers today.  Perhaps the gifts included a home made shelf for Ma, a scarf made for Pa, a dolly for Carrie, a simple gift for the rest.  There was almost always one gift per person as some of the family members had gone in together to make or buy one.  But the real treat were oranges or Christmas candy or oyster soup.

What a far cry from what is sitting under our tree.  We imposed a $15 limit for each person from each giver, and this year my oldest son said, “Who made that dumb rule anyway?”  We had, after one year we overdid it with him.  He was three, and he opened one gift, then two, then wandered off to play.  That was the year we got sensible.  You would have thought we would have learned from when he was two.  That year he opened a box, with help, and then played with the box!  Having children is a humbling thing.

We decided there and then that we could bankrupt our family spoiling our kids and each other.  Looking back, I can’t really remember the gifts I got as much as the games we played, the time we spent together.  I remember the church services we went to, and the time when all of the kids sang in a program.  That took some organizing!

This year the gifts grew feet and walked in by themselves.  More and more show up every day, collecting, I think, by a rebellious pre-teen who thinks that Mom and Dad’s rules stink.  Whenever one of us goes to the store, he sneaks another gift in, then says he hasn’t gotten anything for that person yet.  On top of that, there is too much in my brain, so I have gotten a few extra gifts in case I forgot one.  Ah, the benefits of early senility.  None of these things are terribly expensive.  And only a few were bought at Walmart, since I am adamant about supporting local businesses.  Some even are gently used, since I believe in recycling.  Almost all, except the Teddy Bear, are needed, and perhaps he needs a good home.

This I mention because I realize the holidays can totally become a like a wild horse.  First you try to capture it, thinking you will tame it.  Then, since it is a wild thing, it jumps around wanting to break free. Then along comes some almost teenager who feels a kinship with its free spirit and sets it loose, along with the family budget.

Every year we learn a new technique, and this will be next year’s.  I will hand them each an envelope with $50.  Then I will tell them that this is their budget for the season.  I will then find Santa and kiss him lots, before giving him an envelope with $30.  Then Mrs. Clause will take a $20 and find enough for Santa’s sock and some supplemental things that Santa can never find.  Mrs. Claus often brings back change.  If we can’t have a good Christmas complete with stockings filled for under $50 each, then there is something seriously wrong with us.  Now that I look at it, maybe Santa and Mrs. Claus’ budget could be adjusted down.

In your house, you will decide how your holidays go, of course.  Most people are not like us; they spend whatever they want.  Some folks have the money to do that, others just throw budgets to the wind.  Whatever it is that motivates you to live,  we, at our house wish you all a Merry Christmas.   For those of you who live overseas or in a culture not like ours, perhaps you don’t celebrate the holidays. We still are bossy and arrogant enough to wish you good tidings and blessings.  It’s just natural exuberance, so please excuse us.  Enjoy the holidays!

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