Christmas Season Woes

Yes, I'm a mom of two, and I can hear many of you out there bemoaning the nation of consumers we've become and how kids at this time of year have a bad case of the 'gimmes.'

I seem to have the opposite problem. Lotus had only two (yes, 2!) items on her Christmas list. I asked for other ideas, and she says, "Really, Mom, I don't need anything else." Uh, what planet are you from, kid? How am I supposed to buy you Christmas presents?? She's also 12, in that 'tween stage, between childhood and teenager status. Most toys are a bit young; some teen stuff too old. So now I have to use my imagination to get her some things she'll like.

As for Buzz? He's easy. Between skateboarding, Playstation, and Legos, we've got the bases covered.

But truly, I'm stumped. But it does show one thing: If you meet your childs needs (and by that I mean more than just the basic needs) but really listen to them, trust them, and respect them, and give them the freedom to be who they are, they're not needy. Intriguing.