Eric and I would like to thank everyone who made Rocco's first Chirstmas a special one. He had no idea what was going on. To him everyday is an adventure filled with new people and places. But it was memorable for us.
We considered this our 'free' year. Since Rocco is too young to comprehend the holiday Eric and I did not put up a tree or buy him a ton of gifts. We know we have many years ahead of decorating and gift giving. Which leads us to ponder this - how do we raise a child who understands what Christmas is about, enjoys the holiday, but does not see it as an opportunity to get EVERYTHING his little heart desires?
Rocco
loved Santa. He sat on Santa's lap at the mall, something Eric and I felt we
had to do. He did not cry and the overpriced photo came out pretty cute. We went to a party on Christmas Eve where Santa came for a visit. Rocco waved at him like they were long lost friends. It was pretty cute. But DAMN! This could be bad.
I know a woman whom I have great respect for. She has two children who are quite a few years apart in age. She told me that her son was raised believing in Santa Claus but that on Christmas morning he knew that the gifts under the tree were from her and her husband. As a result she says he is appreciative. He understands that everything he is given on Christmas his parents have worked hard for. He has gratitude and he is not greedy. Her daughter has a different father and she claims that her in-laws have shoved Santa down her daughters throat. Her daughter does not have the same gratitude her son has. She presents a long list of wants from Santa and will not hesitate to say she does not like something.
Everyone I know who has children ran around like crazy spending,
spending,
spending the month before Chirstmas. Every conversation I overheard was about holiday shopping. Children don't just want a Barbie doll or a football anymore. They want Ipods. They want televisions. Wii's. Laptops. They want items made for adults. Items that will end up crusted in cereal and boogers. Items that cost money and are expensive to repair.
How do I raise a son who does not want Ipods and cell phones? One answer is to not allow him to watch television. (That is another blog topic all together.) I have also been told that kids want what their friends have. (Which means Rocco can't have
friends who watch television.) I just can't help but think that parents have some responsibility in this as well.
Stories and songs about Christmas indicate that Santa brought ONE gift to each child. The song "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas" says that "Johnnie wants a pair of skates. Susy wants a dolly. Nelli wants a story book. She thinks dolls are folly". Eric and I have played with the idea of teaching
this to Rocco. He may ask Santa for one thing. The rest of his gift will come from us, this grandparents, and friends. Maybe this will keep him from thinking that toys magically appear on the living room floor. We still have time to think about this. But we need to do something to keep the greed under control.
While I am not a religious person I do want Rocco to understand the 'true meaning of Christmas'. This may be a challenge since I'm pretty sure Jesus was born in August and I don't buy the immaculate conception story line. Details aside I do believe that Jesus existed and is an important historical figure. Thankfully I have several church goers in my life who can assist me with this.
All of this being said Rocco has changed the holiday season for me. It has given me a new found sense of what it important. Waking up to a happy, babbling baby is present enough for me. Although I really do love my new indoor cycle shoes.
