Christmas lists – I’m always curious to see just what things my kids will add to their lists each year.  It’s always a struggle for me to balance trying to make it even and having everyone feel good about what they got, but not break the bank in the process.
    When Erin and I were on our Christmas tree search, we passed an Alpaca farm.  We were out in the middle of nowhere, so we stopped to watch them for a little bit.  Erin LOVED them.  She immediately said “Oh, I’m putting an Alpaca on my Christmas list for sure!”  I am a realist and didn’t want her getting her hopes up for something she’s never going to get and told her that Mama Dee and I wouldn’t say yes to that.  She didn’t miss a beat and said “That’s why I’m not asking YOU, I’m asking Santa for it”   Deep breath.  I told her that she could put it on her list, but that Santa knows we don’t have a farm so he may not think it’s in the alpaca’s best interest.  It’s at the top of her list still!
   Then we have Carlos – he always has the same things on his list…ice tea, food, money.  His needs are simple and really don’t change year to year.
    Trey is one that tends to find something and run with it.  This year it’s FallOut 76 game (and memorabilia to go with it) but truth be told, his favorite thing will be any kind of Marvel Encyclopedia he gets that he will spend the entire day of Christmas reading.
   Levi always surprises me a bit.  He says he really doesn’t need much, he wants a watch and a record player and a water bottle.  I asked him what records and he hadn’t really thought about the music he was going to play on it.  Cracked me up.
     The littles are easy – pretty sure I could wrap up the toys we already had and they would be happy.  They honestly just want to rip the paper and play with the boxes.  Of course, there are some new toys under the tree as well.
     Dee is IMPOSSIBLE to buy for – gift cards are boring and she more of a collector than someone who actually goes and spends them (except Starbucks!).  I can’t tell you how many cool gadgets are sitting somewhere in the basement as an attempt at putting something under the tree in years past.  She’s got a ton of Seahawks gear (and tickets are too $ for me to afford) and she claims to want nothing.
    Me?  I truly don’t have anything material that I want.  I know that sounds lame, but I don’t hold a lot of value in stuff. What makes me happy is time with the people I love.  What makes me happy to find just the right gift and see the joy on their face when they open it.  My favorite part of Christmas is when we are sitting in the middle of the mess after the presents are opened, sipping coffee and my kids are smiling and excited to try their new gadgets and they are excited for each other and we are all together.  That’s all I truly want for Christmas.   Whats on your list?