Halcyon Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 (edited) My son has added another gift to his list to Santa, just today :glare: He knows very well he won't get everything he asked for, but I did most of my shopping a fair while ago, and he's asking for one or two other things which I didn't purchase (serves me right for trying to get things done ahead of time!!!!) Anyway, we're trying to keep our Christmas "simple" this year: just three gifts per child, plus some pajamas. He just wrote a long email (again, I wish they hadn't discovered Santa has email! I used to say "It's too late and Santa won't get your letter in time".) Here's what he wrote: "I am so sorry for this late request, but I am really hoping you can get me {gift} for Christmas. Please, please and I love you". :glare: Sigh. What would you do? I would so hate for him to be disappointed on Christmas morning (we really don't buy gifts throughout the year), but I need to stick to my "simple is better" guns, right? PS I'm on the verge of running to the toy store now...talk me down!!! :lol: Oh, and of course, one more gift for younger means...you guessed it.....one more gift for older....and the overconsumption spiral begins anew..... Edited December 21, 2011 by Halcyon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peachskittles Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I'm not any help. My 4 year old was talking with me and mentioned casually he wanted a certain toy yesterday. This year my kids have asked for two things each like last week (oh and one of those four requests were yesterday) and wouldn't ya know, I didn't get either item. I'm going tomorrow to fill the last minute requests. They would be completely happy with what we got them, but I feel if the child isn't like asking for the entire store, then I should attempt to fulfill their wishes. That said, I am only getting one of the two items since it was such a last minute request though. If you have the money and can afford it, I say go for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rgrin Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I tell my boys that they've had their chance for requests, and there isn't time to get/make their newest request. But, we can start your birthday list now, if you'd like... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myfunnybunch Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 :lol: and :grouphug: You're not obligated to buy the gift; you're not obligated to stick to the three gifts if it will really warm your heart to buy each kid another. The kids will have a fabulous Christmas either way. I'm no help at all, am I? :D Although, ahem, each of my kids got one extra gift this year because I saw something I couldn't pass up! And I normally stick pretty close to the simple Christmas plan. Cat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara in AZ Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 Ugh. I understand your frustration. I would want to just say no, but the reality is I might rush out and get him what he wants. My oldest dd is getting an American Girl doll for the first time this year and has changed her mind three times in the last month about which one she wanted, finally settling on the one with red hair and freckles like hers. Well, a month ago I bought the one with carmel colored hair and blue eyes that she wanted then. There is no way I can return it now, so oh well. Does your son have a birthday coming up? My 6 year old had a lot on his list and I have calmed myself by remembering his birthday is coming up in Feb. and I can save the rest for then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 My 12 year old talked about a gift TODAY and I actually did order it but it is on backorder and will not arrive for Christmas. He is going to get a picture of said item with a "it is coming" card. However, we don't do Santa here so that isn't an issue. Dawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
golfcartmama Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I'm bad. If it's reasonable and you can do it (money, etc), I probably would go get it. BUT, i totally understand if you don't! I'm just a sucker...and as long as mine still believe in Santa...I would do it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suppleasthewind Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 My mom would've told me that Santa had already packed the sleigh. It made perfect sense to me. I personally wouldn't go to the store because the traffic and stores are crazy right now and I like to avoid the chaos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acurtis75 Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I am no help either. In previous years I've done better with keeping it simple but just this week I bought three additional gifts because I saw people post about cool things I hadn't heard of before. I say if it's not a financial burden do it. 4 gifts a piece isn't unreasonable. I would say keeping it simple means not going in to debt or ruining your budget in an effort to win your child's affection with material things. That doesn't sound like what you would be doing at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaT Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I'm bad. If it's reasonable and you can do it (money, etc), I probably would go get it. BUT, i totally understand if you don't! I'm just a sucker...and as long as mine still believe in Santa...I would do it! Me too. I am a softie this time of year, but it's okay if you feel like you should stick with what you've already gotten. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penny_P Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 Sorry, the sleighs already packed and ready for deliveries! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigger Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I'm a marshmallow - I'd go get it and get something more for the older too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MunRoLy Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 We have a wish list deadline. They know not to expect anything put on their wish list after that date. The deadline is early (this year I think it was Nov. 15) so that I can do my shopping early and hopefully not be running around at the last minute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linguistmama Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 Anything that it is too late or expensive for Christmas gets bumped to the birthday list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuirkyKapers Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 Have relatives asked for gift ideas of what to get? Perhaps you could have them get it. Santa could have told them right since the request was made too late ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I state that "nobody gets everything they ask from Santa, unless their wish list is very modest." I actually only let my kids request 1 item this year. They said "we need to make a list" and I said "I already sent Santa an email." Only problem with that is that they now assume that they are absolutely going to get what they requested. Which they are, but what if they weren't . . . . They are getting more than they requested, but I'd rather err on the side of them being pleasantly surprised than the opposite. Now as for your son's last-minute request, it would depend on whether I wanted to run out and pick it up. I am not against kids being disappointed, but I'm not against them being pleased on Christmas either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I would think the elves have done making things and are busy wrapping and packing them at this point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaAkins Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 If it's a valid request...meaning one that is reasonable and special...then I would probably go out and get it before Christmas, if it were not a financial burden to do so. To resolve the problem of having an uneven number of gifts for siblings, can you return (or save for a birthday) one of the gifts that you already purchased for this child? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snickelfritz Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 Well, I think you can go either way and not feel guilty. It really depends on whether you felt something was missing. How much it is, etc.... For *ME*, while I understand simplifying, I'm not big on a hard and fast 3 (or whatever) gift rule. I kept thinking of exceptions and wondering if accessories had to be packaged together or not. :). So, we just keep it moderate. For US----my dd is NOT getting the Uggs she wants and has been asking about for several months. But last week, she mentioned wanting a scooter to replace one that was stolen last summer. dh, later, brought up that younger's scooter is broken and also needs replaced. THAT they are getting. But we had been missing a big item and hadn't wanted to spend, just to spend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peachskittles Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 Have relatives asked for gift ideas of what to get? Perhaps you could have them get it. Santa could have told them right since the request was made too late ;) I did this with one of my 9 yo's requests. My sister is getting it for him. Now, my 4yo will not being getting his other request. Devastator is waaaay to expensive on Ebay. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arghmatey Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I ignore them. I've been finished for a long time, and I don't do crowds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 Maybe he could buy it for himself with Christmas money? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 When I was a kid, my mom would tell me that Santa stops taking requests after a certain date because he has so many children to think about. She would tell me that the elves would only make a certain number of toys per request and that when it got so close to Christmas, the elves weren't making toys anymore but were getting everything packaged and ready to go on the sleigh. Of course with commercials today, it looks like Santa uses a credit card at the toy store to buy gifts, so I don't know how one would handle that approach. Maybe his credit card is maxed out? I've never had to deal with this because we didn't really do much Santa. If the gift was something minor, I would probably get it and pick up one more small thing for the other child. If it's a large gift, I would be honest and say that everything for Christmas is done but they can use their Christmas gift cards and money to buy the gift they want. (My family likes to give gift cards and cash as gifts.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
higginszoo Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 (edited) The elves need time to make the toys. They have to get them all made so they can wrap them (even if not in wrapping paper, then shrink wrap), boxes, etc. and get them loaded in the sleigh at least 2-3 weeks before Christmas. (I actually told this to an older child -- she got the message on late requests and the illusion wasn't ruined for little sister.) I do have one late requestor who will ask for it for his birthday instead, but he's the one with just 2 more weeks after Christmas to wait for that. Edited December 21, 2011 by higginszoo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AimeeM Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I'm no help if you want to be talked down. I'm voting that you run out and get the toy :D. There are times for 'keeping it simple' - Christmas isn't one of them (around here). Go get the boy child his toy! He asked so nicely. :auto: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 Can you generate an auto-response stating that the sleigh is being packed and wishes received after x date will be considered for next year's list :D I'd do it, since 4 gifts instead of 3 won't make any of you gluttons, but I can walk to the mall. Dealing with traffic would give me pause. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melora in NC Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I'm bad. If it's reasonable and you can do it (money, etc), I probably would go get it. BUT, i totally understand if you don't! I'm just a sucker...and as long as mine still believe in Santa...I would do it! :iagree: Mine are nine and thirteen now and know better than to make last minute Christmas requests, but when they were younger and Did tell me at the last minute about things they hoped Santa would bring, I did my best to make sure that all their hopes for Christmas morning were met. If you can do it and want to do it, I wouldn't feel any guilt about making Christmas one present less "simple!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwickimom Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I wouldnt do anything about it. My kids lists are done in November and I am usually done shopping the first week of december. We set a budget and get what we can and thats it. They know there is no way they will get everything they want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I've just been telling mine that I'm done shopping. If they all of sudden came up with a request I'd be afraid it was just a whim anyway. I like the line about the sleigh being packed for those that do Santa. I don't see that kids have to get everything they ask for to be happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Another Jen Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I just had the same thing happen with my 6yo. I went and got it because I keep thinking about how it's my last 6year old to buy toys for. All our other kids are teens and it just isn't the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RanchGirl Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 At first I thought he had sent the email to YOU asking for a gift. In which case I was thinking no, because I wouldn't want to encourage asking people for gifts. But then I saw the email was actually to Santa, and really if you want him to "believe" another year and it is within your means and not an outrageous request, I would probably do it. Not Santa related, but I found out my 10 year old was hoping for a certain gift that he hadn't asked Santa for and I know no one is getting it for him. Even though my shopping and wrapping was all done weeks ago, you can bet I went out and got that gift this week. And an extra for his brother so to make it even. Because I am a marshmallow at Christmas time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted December 21, 2011 Author Share Posted December 21, 2011 just wanted you all to know I haven't left..........yet.....to go to the store :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StaceyinLA Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 Unless it is a large, overpriced item that would've required planning for, I'd get it. If he had a list a mile long, probably not, but having only asked for a couple of items, you can bet I'd get them if it was in my power to do so... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadianmumof5 Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I'm not certain you should be taking advice from someone who tends to go overboard on Christmas...... DD wrote her letter to Santa - asking for a Maplea doll (the Canadian version of AG). So I ordered it. That SAME night as I was tucking her in, she tells me that she saw an ad on Webkinz for AG and that is, in fact, the doll that she really wants. I literally race downstairs and call to cancel the Maplea doll and rush to get an AG doll ordered (bless 'em they do deliver to Canada!). AG doll arrives a couple of days later, and the next day the Maplea doll arrives - even though I cancelled it!!! They offer to send a courier to pick it up - but I rationalize that she is our only daughter so 2 dolls is OK afterall. I'm such a sucker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadianmumof5 Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 just wanted you all to know I haven't left..........yet.....to go to the store :lol: What are you waiting for?? Here is your kick in the pants: **KICK** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cera Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 In our house christmas lists must be finalized by the first Saturday in December. If you want to add or remove an item after that date you are out of luck. Generally by Christmas day there is a post it note on the fridge with the beginnings of a birthday wish list (and I use it for ideas when filling easter baskets). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reign Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I said "i don't think that will be coming. Don't you really want that super amazing mini pillow pet so your's can have a baby? Ofcourse my last minute shopper is 3 :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sewingmama Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 Umm you only have 3 gifts each right -that is hardly overconsumption ;) I think my kids have about 3x that and I'm not done yet :001_huh: Plus your boy is 7 - how many more letters to Santa is he going to write. Go and get the gift if you can afford it. I remember when my sister was about that age - she was on the cusp of not believing. She saw somethng that could only be ordered from tv and shipped (this was before internet) about 3 days before Christmas and said "I'd really like that - Santa could get it if he were real". Well I got on that phone and had it rush shipped and she got it Christmas morning - the look on her face :D That was the last year she believed in Santa though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jujsky Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I'm mean. They don't get last-minute stuff. I tell them that Santa can't take last-minute requests, and anything they don't get, they can buy after with gift money family members give them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetMissMagnolia Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 LOL my son's been doing that alot lately---I told him about a week or so ago that Santa closed the wish lists and that he already had his gifts packed up in the bag on the sleigh....lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyof4ks Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I give a cut off date, and anything else they want they can use their Christmas money to buy. They always get at least 50 or 60 dollars, so that usually takes care of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 just wanted you all to know I haven't left..........yet.....to go to the store :lol: I sense weakness............:D Go out and buy it. If you don't, you'll be awake half the night on Christmas Eve wishing you'd gotten it. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 Sylvia is pretty bad about this. I just say that Santa's done taking requests because he has to start getting things loaded up and we can see about it for her birthday (in March). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silliness7 Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 My son has added another gift to his list to Santa, just today :glare: He knows very well he won't get everything he asked for, but I did most of my shopping a fair while ago, and he's asking for one or two other things which I didn't purchase (serves me right for trying to get things done ahead of time!!!!) Anyway, we're trying to keep our Christmas "simple" this year: just three gifts per child, plus some pajamas. He just wrote a long email (again, I wish they hadn't discovered Santa has email! I used to say "It's too late and Santa won't get your letter in time".) Here's what he wrote: "I am so sorry for this late request, but I am really hoping you can get me {gift} for Christmas. Please, please and I love you". :glare: Sigh. What would you do? I would so hate for him to be disappointed on Christmas morning (we really don't buy gifts throughout the year), but I need to stick to my "simple is better" guns, right? PS I'm on the verge of running to the toy store now...talk me down!!! :lol: Oh, and of course, one more gift for younger means...you guessed it.....one more gift for older....and the overconsumption spiral begins anew..... It's too bad Santa can't be in charge of b-days too. When my kids slip a last-minute request when I'm finished shopping I tell them that it would make a great birthday present. I don't know if it helps that we don't do Santa. They know the gifts are from us. It also helps that we don't have any late fall birthdays. Its just another 3-6 month wait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted December 22, 2011 Author Share Posted December 22, 2011 Well, I went out...but ended up getting him something else from his list LOL because I was going to Michael's for wrapping paper anyway...does that count? It was smencils, and I got some for his brother too....I am still thinking of getting his "special request" tomorrow...I have an hour break from work in the afternoon :lol: Another problem I am dealing with is the fact that older simply doesn't want a lot for Christmas!! He didn't ask for very many things, and pretty much is getting what he asked for. If I want to keep "balance" under the tree, I am going to have to think of something to get him....Hmmm......:lol: How much do you think he'd love to get a globe? Saw a good one on sale for $20-I've been meaning to get one for our homeschool anyway.......:tongue_smilie: (that's almost as bad as the underwear I got for Christmas when I was young..."um...thanks Mom....") Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 Well, I went out...but ended up getting him something else from his list LOL because I was going to Michael's for wrapping paper anyway...does that count? It was smencils, and I got some for his brother too....I am still thinking of getting his "special request" tomorrow...I have an hour break from work in the afternoon :lol: OK, so basically instead of getting the one extra gift or no extra gift at all, you're buying multiple gifts instead. :D Welcome to my world (and bring your Visa card...) ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AppleGreen Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 I'm no help either! Santa is usually really simple stuff around here and we really try to keep our holidays simple, but my older dd decided to write Santa a letter last week. Her requests: slippers, socks and a surprise. Yes, I made all of those requests happen though I had not planned on them and yes I got a couple of other (practical!) things for the other littles. It was a joy to do it! I love makIng reasonable requests from my kids happen. Would it bring you joy or be an added burden to fulfill the request? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbeyej Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 I really don't think that either decision would be "bad", you know? I think it's *good* for kids not to get everything they ask for. And something he's asking for at the last minute probably isn't a really "deep" want, you know? He will be thrilled with the other gifts he gets on Christmas, and if you do need to say at some point, "Yeah, sometimes we don't get everything we ask for, but you sure got some great stuff today" to help him process, well, it's a good lesson. On the other hand, if you break down and run to the toy store to get him one last thing? ;) Well, if you're raising him to have a grateful heart, one extra gift that fulfills a last minute wish won't ruin that. :) ... I remember when I was 18, I got home from college for Christmas break and my 6yo sister told Mom two days before Christmas, "Santa said he would bring me Chocolate the Moose for Christmas". Did she *need* one more Beanie Baby?!?! No way! Would it have been completely reasonable for Mom to respond, "Hmph!"? Of course. :) But I was her big sister and I *could* go hunt it down and it gave me joy to do so and she was thrilled to get it and ... :) It was nice. If he doesn't get the gift, he'll live and probably never even notice. If he gets the gift, he'll be happy and you'll be happy and it won't turn him into a spoiled, materialistic brat. :) Now, personally, with my own kids, I remind them throughout the season of "wishlists on the fridge" that these may be suggestions, but they will absolutely *not* be getting everything on the lists. We also surprise them with things not on the lists -- things they might not even know about. So I'd just ignore a last-minute request. But giving our kids gifts they'll love is such fun. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*~Tina~* Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 No addendums to the list after it has been processed :D I actually said this to one of my kiddos yesterday :lol::lol: Seriously...I was DONE shopping! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unicorn. Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 I can't help you. I am the queen of just one more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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