I’ve always been amazed by this photograph of the gifts I received on my first Christmas. Granted, we spent that holiday with my maternal grandparents, and I was their first grandchild. They doted on me. I think my grandmother bought everything in sight for me that year.
But really? An eight-month-old baby doesn’t appreciate all this stuff. Some of it I appreciate more as an adult than I did then. For example, that rocking horse is still in the family, and several other babies—including my granddaughter—have ridden it.
This year is my first year as a grandparent. I live far away from my granddaughter, who is now ten and a half months old, and I won’t spend Christmas with her. I don’t know what she wants (most likely, nothing but Mommy and Daddy, a clean diaper, lots of food, and something to crawl to). She won’t remember anything from this Christmas celebration. Next year and the year after will be the times to splurge.
And yet. All through November, my finger hovered over the “Add to Cart” button on Amazon. And I shopped in every toy and kids’ clothing store I saw. Toys. Books. Clothes. She would like it all, even if she didn’t want or need it.
This grandma wanted to splurge NOW.
I think I restrained myself. Some everyday clothes, nothing fancy. Some toys, including a pull toy because I give every baby in the family a pull toy for their first birthday or Christmas (to their parents’ dismay). Some books, but only cloth books so she can’t wreck them.
Still, all my gifts to her fit in one box I shipped from my home to hers and in a few small boxes shipped directly from Amazon. I made sure to include gift receipts for everything that can be returned, because my daughter usually returns my gifts to her, and I’m sure she’ll do the same with my granddaughter’s gifts.
Spread out under the Christmas tree, my gifts this year won’t take up much space. There will be plenty of room for presents from her parents, as well as for all their gifts.
But wait until next year, when maybe I will get to spend Christmas with my granddaughter. Will I be able to restrain myself then?
Do you believe in Christmas extravaganzas?
While in WA I bought my grandson’s birthday [in January] and Christmas gifts. His mom helped me select everything. It was gift-wrapped and taken home! Now i need to buy gifts for the parents!