Wednesday, December 26, 2007

On Christmas Morning ....

This was the scene at my home early on Christmas morning. And, Boy! Were they up early. This was despite the late night we had at our annual Christmas Eve Dinner Party.

(Sing to the tune of Jingle Bells)
Dashing down the stairs,
Still in their pyjamas
Wondering what they got
For Chrismas Presents

Ripping Wrappers
Opening Boxes
What fun it is to find out
What they got this time

Oh! Open here, Open there
Open all the gifts
Oh what fun, it is to find
What presents they got!


I usually restrict the children's opening of Christmas (and even birthday) presents to just one or two a day. That way, I thought, they would appreciate all the thought and effort that went into the buying of the specially selected gifts. And, every gift would get a fair chance of being enjoyed. Also, it prolonged the fun of the celebration and the opening of presents. I felt that by opening all the presents at once, the kids would just zoom in on the one that they really liked, and all the rest would be "neglected" or just chucked aside. People call me a killjoy for doing that. Well, this year, it was no holds barred. Guess what? All the presents were opened in less than half an hour, and now, there are piles of "less favoured" gifts just sitting around. Maybe, I should go back to my "old" rules. What do you think?

5 comments:

iml said...

The most delightful moment in a child's life is to be surrounded by presents of all shapes and packaging. To discover one by one the surprise in each and everyone of the presents is definately the highlight of the day. I agree, it's painful to see other presents that did not make it to the top 3, toss aside, forgotten.

Bkworm said...

Happy Boxing Day! Awww...having to open presents in stages? Hmm...can't see Little Bkworm doing that. I can't either!! I gotta see it now. LOL!!

doc said...

it never crossed my mind to allow the opening of presents in stages - maybe it's because the kids don't get them by the hordes.

but i do see the logic of opening them gradually.

bp said...

Yes, I also use your old way, for the same reasons that I think we should "spread" out the enjoyment of the presents, and so that the kids aren't "overly" pampered... but my husband thinks I am the killjoy!

stay-at-home mum said...

Hmmm, at least there is someone who agrees with me. I dont feel so bad now.