I bought Littletree a Christmas present this year. She was so excited about the idea of Christmas, though she'd never experienced it before and didn't really know what it was all about.
I bought her some second-hand Bratz dolls on eBay, which was again a process for me, because though I went through the acceptance of Barbies, Bratz was another challenge.
In the end, once I'd thought about it, I realised that my respect for Littletree was more important than my own petty judgements about a doll.
Christmas in itself was a bit of a challenge for me, having not celebrated it at all for years, and being quite the anti-consumerist.
But I had this image in my mind of how excited Littletree would be to find a present under the tree when she woke up on Christmas morning. So after she went to sleep, I tidied up her playroom, and set up her little Christmas tree with the presents underneath. (I wrapped the Bratz in a piece of sparkly material from my sewing bag, and a neighbour gave her a present as well).
So the trap was set. I got up before Littletree (as usual) and pottered around the house, camera at the ready, waiting for her to wake up and see the Christmas surprise.
Littletree came downstairs all sleepy-eyed and grumpy, but when she saw the christmas tree:
She could hardly contain herself! She carefully read the tags on the presents, saw that they were both for her, and started opening them.
First she opened the one from the neighbour; ironically a winter hat.
Then she opened my present. See the look on her face as she got the first glimpse of what was inside:
Bratz!
She ran over to me and just about bowled me over with a huge hug, saying "thank you, thank you, thank you!"
It was a great morning :) Littletree spent a while playing with her new Bratz, immediately undid their fancy hairdoes, gave some haircuts, drew on some bindis and tattooes and jewelry...
Purple and I made Levivot (latkes - potato patties traditional for Hannukah), and we did some work in the garden, and hung out with our friend Zell who is visiting.
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She is very pleased hey!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad those bratz dolls have clothes on.. I've seen worse LOL
We managed to go without any Bratz or Barbies this year, but it's the first time in 3 years.
Someone must have worded up their Auntie because she's normally the culprit haha
Aw, I'm so glad for both of you that you got to experience this together. I totally agree and understand about consumerism, but I think sometimes our ideals get in the way of our kids just enjoying the simple small pleasures of things like Santa and other fairytales. (((HUGS)))
ReplyDeleteI really liked what you said about respect. Has got me thinking about some of my own perhaps petty behaviours.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad she had a lovely time! Her expression - wonderful! Brightest Blessings to you all xXX
ReplyDeleteFun! We ended up with a Bratz doll this year too, but dd loves it so why not? ;-) Merry Christmas, love!
ReplyDeleteI am LOVE LOVE LOVING your blog and added you to my 'following' list. You are living the kind of life I dream about. ( Don't worry, i'll get there someday.) Littletree is utterly beautiful. She looks like a faerie to me :)
ReplyDeleteSending light and love to your new home!
Keri
She is such a sweetheart! I love the expressions on her little face! Perfect! Someone gave TC a bratz baby doll when she was little. Funnily enough its still in its box. (Its a ridiculous looking baby! Make up and all) She liked it but was more into those barbie my scene dolls.
ReplyDeleteI love Little Tree's expressions. My 4 1/2 year old son had the same expressions when he opened his pressies.
ReplyDeleteMy 8 year old Katie has never been fussed by Bratz or Barbies. It's funny what kids like - she likes Schleich animals, dinosaurs and climbing trees. Katie gave her auntie a big hint this year. Like Genie, its Katie's auntie that would get her the Bratz stuff.
And guess what Katie Auntie got her? A remote controled dinosaur that broke down after a couple of goes. We didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I think Katie was relieved she didn't get another Bratz doll LOL! :)
P.S
I love your new home.
It just goes to show how a child can enjoy Christmas (or similar) without a million presents or huge expensive electronic things.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new home!
Oh it's so very nice to hear all the happy things going on for you guys :) CONGRATS on the house. I know it's a bit sad for you to leave your hobbit-abode but exciting for a new place! And a big congrats to you for overcoming your feelings about the dolls to give LittleTree the benefit of her decision. That's a hard step....I'm not there yet, myself.
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