This is what our Christmas tree has looked liked since 2001.
Well…sort of. We’ve lived in 4 different houses since 2001. All within 5 minutes of each other…
The above pic is our tree from last year. Notice that there are no gifts under the tree. We have never been able to place gifts under our tree until Christmas Eve, after the children are asleep. Any gift placed under the tree would end up being opened by Cuyler.
For Cuy and his impulsivity – in his mind – a gift was meant for him and meant to be opened immediately by him. Therefore gifts just didn’t go under the tree.
Until this year. FINALLY.
Last week I came home with 2 beautifully wrapped gifts that I just had to leave under the tree – they could not be hidden away. Much to my delight all three kids were very excited to see the gifts. I let them pick the gifts up, shake them, touch the bows and embellishments. Nobody tried to open them but they were excited about what could possibly be in such beautiful packages. If only they knew…
So the next night I added 2 more and throughout the week have added more as I’ve wrapped.
Everyday there has been new gifts, they run over and check the tag, “Who’s it for??”
I remember the anticipation leading up to Christmas and the feeling of “How can I possibly wait until Christmas to find out what’s inside!?!” Or guessing what was in a gift only to be completely wrong, or the joy of knowing what something was because I wanted it so bad.
I can finally see that happening with my kids, especially Cam. He was guessing what some of his gifts were. He was wrong on all counts.
I am so glad that they are experiencing part of Christmas that I loved so much as a child. I am so proud of Cuyler and Eva for their self control with all the gifts staring them in the face all day.
It’s definitely an element of anticipation that they haven’t experienced before and they are just loving it!
So am I.
It’s bare under our tree this year since I know my crazy two year-old would not be able to resists ripping open all the presents. I can’t wait until the kids are old enough to be ready though, since you’re right, the waiting and guessing and hoping is so much fun.
We used to snoop under beds and in my parents’ closet before the holidays in a desperate search for our Christmas loot. Some years we found it and while it was exciting in the moment, it totally sucked in the long run. 🙂
Nice tree, lady!!! And what a good mummy you are… wow.
I am in my 40’s and have a huge problem with impulsivity! A lot of my little artists bring me gifts and place them in bags with tissue under my tree and if I need a little lift- I have been known to peek in here and there! I am working on it but it is tough!
For you, wonderful mom, this is a big thing! I am very impressed with your kids- especially Cuyler. You are doing such a great job!
PS – another picture that shows your house to be impeccable!
It so amazing that Cyler is able to admire the gifts but not feel compelled to open them. I want you to know that Cyler is not the only child who struggles with this issue. On Sunday we caught my 11yr-old daughter looking at her hidden unwrapped Christmas gifts. I can’t begin to tell you how frustrated and disappointed I am with her. I’m not sure if she truly understands the meaning of Christmas and giving. It’s going to take me some time to get over. I’m certainly has put a damper on my Christmas spirit.