Where Does The Holiday Go?

When I was a boy, it seem like Christmas would never get here. I suppose it was the anticipation of the presents I would get from Mom and Dad and my grandparents. I always had two lists. One for the parents and one for the grandparents. I would start thinking about my list shortly after my birthday in July. Both lists were long and if I was lucky, I'd get about half of what was on the lists. Those presents stayed under the Christmas tree for what seemed like forever. When no one was in the room, my brother and I would try to sneak a peek at what was under the tree. There was always a curious looking gift that we just had to know what it was so somehow the wrapping would accidentally get torn to reveal what the gift was. When Mom saw the tampered gifts, a yell would permeate the house "Jeeeefffffffrrrreeeeyyyyy!!!!!! GET IN HERE!!!!!! I knew that present would be taken back to the store only to have Santa bring one just like it on Christmas morning.

My brother and I always looked forward to Christmas and Birthdays because other than school clothes, we didn't get too many things throughout the year.

Now fast forward to present day when I have to ask my children for a Christmas list. It is difficult for them to make one because I and my parents and grandparents spoiled both of them by giving them what they wanted when they wanted it. I think I learned a lesson a little too late since Jessica is now 20 and Shelby will soon be 15. I wonder what they would do if they had only received school clothes throughout the year and things like Cd's, DVDs, Playstation 2 games, cell phones and all the others things they have received over the years on no occasion at all had to wait?

I think Christmas and Birthdays would be a little more exciting. I just don't think I could have bared the other days of the year!

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and have a wonderful 2008.