I've never really been much of a Christmas person. Christmas when I was small was a mixed bag and these days I'd rather have breakfast in bed with a good show than go through the fuss of it all, but I have Christmas responsibilities.
This weekend I walked around a mall looking for gifts for my special people, my niece being one of them.
Ok fine, you got me. I already have a box of gifts for her packed and wrapped, all ready to go, but I wanted to find the perfect one. When I asked her what she'd like for Christmas, she told me that she'd really like a Barbie with purple hair and lots of accessories.
No pressure right?
I think I kinda found a compromise. I bought her a fairy Barbie that has blue hair and I bought her a knockoff Barbie that came with like 6 different outfits and a gazillion pairs of shoes. I'm really hoping that they are interchangeable because I couldn't open the packaging to check and I wouldn't be able to anyway as I didn't have Fairy Barbie with me at the time.
It's a strange thing really, I was never a Barbie kid. I was a bit of a weirdo but found myself rather climbing trees and spying on birds nests than playing with Barbies. I liked marbles more than plushies and I liked blue more than pink, but I was still little and I just think that I didn't have the same mothering instinct that most girls my age did. My niece though? Wow, she has it in spades. Probably enough for both of us. So it seemed appropriate that the new Barbie also came with a baby Barbie too.
The other gift that she's asked me for which I am not sure I'll be able to find in time is a sleeping bag that she can take with her on sleep-overs. I'm going to look at what's available. Of course, it needs to be pink so I'll be paying a premium for the colour choice not because the thread count is like fine silk or anything fancy, but you know how it goes with kiddos - you make a plan right?
I'm just really glad that she wasn't one of those little entitled brats asking for an iPad because there's no freaking way that would happen. Just saying. It's not going to even if I could afford it.
She's a cutie and I'm also giving her some seeds that she can plant with me in a veggie patch as she loves growing things. I'll have to guide her in the right direction but I'm sure she'll do a freaking great job of it.
So with all the Christmas vibes starting to heat up now, I found some cute little decorations around the mall. It wasn't decorated over the top which I appreciated as I can't believe the budget these places put forward for decorations, it's a bit ridonkulous to be honest but it does make for a festive feeling.
Thank the heavens that I don't have all that much shopping to do now and with only three weekends before Christmas, it makes it easier just shopping for the kids and not all the adults I guess.
The images are mine
The fever pitch for the youngsters is building. A sleeping bag is a cool present to get. Not just a throwaway thing. My daughter asked for a good one last year and loves dragging it about the house and lying in it as well as using it for sleepovers!
Yes I absolutely agree, these things in childhood become touchstones. I had a favourite sleeping bag when I was a kid and did the same as your little one - took the thing everywhere with me. It was such a comforting thing for me, used it until it was practically falling apart and then I think my mom decided it had to go when I was a teen 😂
It's a fun time of year for them and even though I'm more like the Grinch than Elf on the Shelf, I like that they enjoy celebrating it. Hope you'll be having a good one 😁
Looks like you got a tough assignment. How old is your niece by the way?
I can understand what you mean as I hated and still hate pink, would pick blue instead of pink in a split second. I've never had a Barbie, but not because I did not like it, but because those were different times, very tough. I'm looking forward to seeing what you buy for her 😀
Hey @erikah
You and I alike, back then Barbies were really expensive and far less accessible. Times are quite different now but also very much the same with the way things are going.
The Barbie I got her is second hand so I got it at a good price, it just so happened at the right time I guess. My niece is five so she's still small. Her imagination is out of this world though for her age. I love the fact that she believes in fairies and magic, dragons and that birds have conversations over breakfast each morning (the daybreak birdsong).
you niece must be so excited for christmas... simple joys of being a kid is whe you open gifts during christmas
100%, it's a great time for little ones and seeing them happy makes me happy too, that's what the joy is for me in Christmas. Thanks for coming round @bluepark
Christmas is a nice time to spoil kids but I wouldn't go over the top with it, looks like you got the balance just right.
Love the little Christmas elf, so cute!
Thanks a stack, it is the one time I do get to spoil her without guilt so I think the hugs and beaming smile she'll have on her face are going to be priceless. She's a real sweet kid. I'm really blessed to have her.
Emma, these days are just that busy, moving with holiday cheer at the top of my mind. This weekend I placed my Christmas at home and have already made my shopping trip for my special people.
I wish that your day starts with a smile and that it stays forever on your face.🌲🦋
That's so fabulous, it really is starting to feel vibrant and festive now and with the year we've all had, having something to celebrate feels great. Have a peaceful run up to it @janitzearratia 🌱