Bah. And Also, Humbug.
As you may have gathered from the preceding “hoopla,” I am very big on Christmas tradition. There is, however, one seasonal tradition that I could definitely do without: Diva Girl’s traditional holiday meltdown.
For as long as I can remember, December 23rd has marked the day that Diva Girl official gives up on the concept of the Nice List and wholeheartedly embraces her place among The Naughty. I don’t know if it’s the pressure, the anticipation, or what, but every year is remarkably the same–Sabrina always ends up losing her shit in a spectacularly ugly way.
Much though I’ve worked so hard to create the belief in Santa, to nurture it and protect it in the face of an increasingly cruel, unforgiving world, today is the day that I fantasize about pulling back the curtain and revealing the whole thing for the sham that it is just so that I can explain to my daughter exactly why she won’t be getting any presents this year. I won’t of course. I’ll jingle the bells and nibble the cookies and fill the stockings, and if I’m honest, I’ll look forward to doing so all day tomorrow–I love my daughter after all, and the idea that she would be disappointed on Christmas, screaming in frustration rather than squealing in delight, is just not one I truly want to entertain.
Except…Maybe a little, in my Grinchier moments as I deal with the noise noise noise of her lack of gratitude and her unwillingness to help out and her just general crappy attitude as best described by loud, angry screams and rants against the injustice of it all. When I really do wonder why, exactly, I spent all that time, effort, and money getting her just the right things, the things that show just how well I know her, just how much I love her, even if she can’t always see it, when I could have been out getting a pedicure and a really great pair of shoes. The answer, of course, is that I do love her. And I do love to make her happy, and I do look forward to seeing her face when she sees what Santa has left for her-despite all indications to the contrary–under the tree.
But I wonder, would it be wrong if, in addition to the Littlest Pet Shops and the 17 different kinds of fairy, if Santa also left a little note this year, telling her to get with the program and stop with the tantrums before she manages to completely take herself out of the running with him? Or is my heart really just 2 sizes too small?
Comment by Kate
Much as I really believe in the wonder of Christmas and the love of Santa I think that Santa really wouldn’t object to you taking the opportunity to remind Diva girl of her priorities.
Having seen via instant messaging the conflict you guys have been having the last few days/weeks, I would like to admit to having similar thoughts about what to do with Baa and the Santa note has not escaped my thoughts!!
Posted on December 24, 2007 at 1:00 am
Comment by Betsy
Weeeeell…I’m the grinchiest of the grinches you ever will know, so of course I’m going to come down on the ‘make her suffer’ side of the fence.
Except - not really. I would, however, take the opportunity to remind her in whatever way works best that the rest of the world isn’t nearly as privileged as she might be, even though she may not feel like it right about now.
(For my kids, it was a drive through an area of town - with yours truly providing caustic color commentary - where many of our less fortunate citizens live after I’d finished hearing complaints about the lack of appropriate seafood on the menu at our ‘very special splurge’ restaurant dinner.)
Posted on December 24, 2007 at 1:19 am
Comment by thordora
Santa used to leave little notes on gifts in my house-some reminding me that while it may not have been exactly what I wanted, I was lucky to get presents. Horrifying stories of getting only fruit in stockings from my father usually helped as well.
Do you have time to take her volunteering somewhere this season? That might help reinforce what you want to remind her of.
And Merry Christmas friend. I hope there is much squeeing tomorrow morning. At a reasonable hour of course.
Posted on December 24, 2007 at 7:04 am
Comment by Rebecca
I’ve been known to slip a little piece of (char)coal in a stocking as a reminder. I know excactly how you feel! I think tantrums are normal right now, with all the excitement, etc. Not that it’s okay, but a little reminder in the form of a note or a bit of coal couldn’t hurt. Right?
Merry Christmas to you and the Ladies!!
Posted on December 24, 2007 at 10:07 am
Comment by Eden
Another “yes” vote on the note. Something positive, like a reminder about how to cope with frustration, “gifts” to give Mommy, examples of her good behavior from the year, etc.
Posted on December 24, 2007 at 11:25 am
Comment by Kirsten
I vote “No” on the note. Santa shouldn’t come with a side of poison. The Santa moment, as you have created it, is a moment of joy. If you make a point of reminding her, at that moment, that she doesn’t really deserve all that joy, it takes an unconditional expression of love and acceptance into a guilt trip and a manipulation. Mind you, I’m against the whole Naughty List idea in the first place, so that’s where I’m coming from.
I do like the idea of a note like Eden mentioned though. As long as it’s not linked to the gifts, or giving her the idea that she’s losing Santa’s patience too. (I rather liked, as a child, that Santa seemed to have a lot more patience and forgiving than my parents).
Posted on December 24, 2007 at 12:19 pm