Traditions
My best friend made the comment that one of the things she loved the most about presents from my family was my mom’s crazy present toppers. Mom would always affix some cheap but fun little toy to the bow of her gifts; to this day, it’s still a family tradition. So of course, I decided to carry it on, and found various little knick-knacks for all of Alex’s gifts.
Alex has been with her father this week, but he was kind enough to give me last night with her to break up the (very long) week. Immediately upon entering the house, Alex noticed something had changed.
“Mommy! There’s presents under the tree!”
“Yes, honey, I know.”
She moved quickly, and before I knew it, she had ripped a small tiger toy I’d taped carefully to one of her gifts and held it above her head in triumph.
“Look, Mommy! I always WANTED one of these! He’s so CUTE!”
“Alex! That’s not until Christmas day!!! You’re not supposed to take that off yet!”
Her little face dropped in disappointment as the tiger slipped from her fingers and landed on the floor. It couldn’t have gotten any worse if I’d shot the dog.
“You mean I can’t have it now?”
“No, baby… that’s part of the present,” I tried to explain, picking it up and taping it back to the gift it was taken from. “You have to wait until Christmas to play with it.”
She knelt down in front of the tree, fat tears rolling down her cheeks. “But I really love him, Mommy.”
“I know, Alex… but this is for Christmas morning. You can play with him then.” My heart was hurting for her, but I knew if I caved, there wouldn’t be anything left to open by Christmas.
She sat in front of the tree for the next hour, pointing to each topper. “Is that mine, too?” “I have to wait until Christmas?”"I can’t play with it now?”
Maybe some family traditions need to be changed.