Christmas presents for others

Like most normal parents, by the time your children open presents from you, Santa, and a whole host of other people, you are thinking that you have a lot of stuff.  Also, as you are purchasing some of these presents, and the kids are asking for everything on every commercial and store shelf, you are definitely thinking about this fact.

So, this year, we took a little "reality trip."  Literally.  Last Saturday, Jeremy and I took all the kids into a store and had them each pick out a toy.  Before arriving at this store they had had explained to them that they would be picking out something that is not for them.  (Okay, they also had explained to them how ridiculously fortunate and blessed that they were and that they needed to remember others and understand how little some others have.)  It went over fairly well.  Minus the part where Allison also wanted the craft kit that she picked out, Madison wanted the doll that matched one at home, Parker wanted the set of cars he was clinging to, and McKenna didn't want to let go of the doll that she was holding.  Other than that.  We did manage to leave the store with presents only for others, and no tantrums.  Success.

I had found a place in D.C. where we could literally drop-off the toys to the actual physical location.  (Versus the office location on a different premises like several of the other places.)  They handed in their items.  Parker was a bit hesitant to part with such beloved items, but needed just a little reminding and coaxing.  There are a few other places I was also interested in.  Hopefully, we can scatter the needs of others over the next coming year.