December 2017

On a run at least four years ago, my friend Becky, a mom of three girls, gave me her strategy for Christmas:

I loved that—simple, crisp, not crazy expensive, fairly equal for all genders and ages—but somehow, despite the strategy being all plastered over the internet, I always fail to remember to implement it. (And, simultaneously, tell the family we’re implementing it.)

Instead, I follow this non-rhyming scheme: while chomping on a post-Thanksgiving turkey sandwich, I ask for the kids to make lists and then, sometime between Black Friday and the 24th, buy gifts mostly over the Internet.

As I accumulate random packages from Old Navy and Target, I stash them in the back of linen closet or a file cabinet and hope that I can recall, in a few weeks, what and where everything is. I also hope that I’ve somehow made the present piles relatively equitable, even though having a boy and girl of different ages makes that competition fairly moot.

The whole situation is pretty uninspired and a little chaotic. (And can I just say that typing those previous few paragraphs feels so yuck?)

Right now, the kiddos are 14 and 11. The older girl finally compiled a short list of clothing-related items that are rather pricey, while the younger boy had a hard time coming up with anything. He eventually settled on a new basketball and a “real” music stand: not one that can collapse, but a much more professional one. “One that easily slides up and down,” he explained.

I guess I should admit here that when one of them needs something important, I am fortunate enough to be able to buy it. Having stuffed my feet into too-small shoes for years—and having the bunions to prove it—I am a stickler for buying shoes as soon as I can tell a big toe looks scrunched. The duo break their swim goggles with a regularity that is astounding. I b*tch about the price of new goggles, but always replace them. If their wrists are overexposed in last year’s winter coat, I order a new one.

So no true needs, and no books on their lists either. Although books are never an issue; I do love searching for  new books I think they’ll like.

So far, I’ve bought a few things—some on the lists, a few off—but nothing yummy or surprising, nothing that gives me the I-can-hardly-wait-to-give-this gift-because-I-know-they’ll-love-it feeling. I’d love to find a family experience we can share, but scrolling through Groupon and other reliable go-tos hasn’t yielded a jackpot yet.

So this year, this #firstworldstruggle feels pretty real given that I’ve got two weeks before Santa slides down the chimney.  I know having a plan a few months ago would’ve been helpful—I think that same thing every December—but it’s obviously not happening this year.

The kids are past the toy stage; I feel like they have everything they need; I want to give an affordable, yet memorable experience; and I have no overall plan. I know Christmas morning, all will be good, but I’d love to put a little splash or structure into this years celebration.

When it comes to offspring gifts, do you have a holiday giving plan?

Themes or predetermined strategies? Do you give experiences or shared family gifts?

Spill them in the comments below; selfishly, I’d love to hear them, and I’m guessing a few other #motherrunners might like a little help too.