Next year, I might give the kids gifts on Thanksgiving. By that day the kids have outgrown last years jackets and are down to one glove between the two of them. My resolve to hide their new coats, gloves and hats is gone before the pumpkin pie is.
This morning, Felix was distressed that he couldn’t find his coat. Not in the house, not in the van. He gets so anxious as it is (mornings are tough), I was glad I could be the hero and not just the parental nag for once. Up from the basement I emerged triumphant with the most amazing, most warm and most “cool” new ski jacket. Whew.
Tonight, chit chatting about our day, Felix said he felt guilty about ruining a Christmas surprise with the coat. Then, he explained, after exploring the cool new jacket’s NINE pockets, he felt even worse that he also ruined the “cool ski pass surprise”.
Crap. The ski pass. Felix thought I had gotten him a ski trip to Germany for Christmas.
I didn’t.
What I DID do is get him a second hand ski jacket that has BEEN to Germany.
Bless his heart, he thinks that is EVEN COOLER.