She believes. In the big man in the red suit, in the magic, in the fact that he will make her dreams come true and fulfill her wishes and lists on Christmas morning.
But what is a Santa to do?
For six months, she has asked for the American Girl doll Julie. Check. Bought doll, bought clothing, bought accessories. Donated kidney to pay for it all. Check. Santa's shopping is done.
So on Saturday, she writes him a NEW letter, sits on his lap, and tells him that she has decided she really wants the American Girl doll Chrissa this year. She goes onto explain that she has to get Chrissa this year because she is the doll of the year and won't be available next year. Next year, she will ask for Julie.
Problem is, Santa doesn't have another $300 to spend on Chrissa this year and to save Julie for next year...and Santa hates returns.
What is a Santa to do - give her Julie, possibly breaking her heart by never getting Chrissa? Buy Chrissa while coughing up the debt and making my girl happy.
See, this is my problem with Santa. If Santa were just about the magic and not about the gifts, I would be fine. What if she knew it was just me buying her gifts? I could talk to her about it. Now I just stay up all night worrying about what to do to save her Christmas and to not have her lose her faith in Santa's magic.
Do I impose a deadline for Santa lists? November 15th is Santa lists set in stone date?
xoxo,t
13 comments:
Oh heavens, now that IS a dilemma. But yoour Eloise is SUCH a good girl. Maybe she deserves both. ;) Best of luck on this one, Tracy!
We ran into the exact same problem last year, and again this year. Elise had been asking for Kit forever. Then, at the last minute, she asked Santa for Josephina and was all about Josephina the last couple of weeks before Christmas. Santa brought Kit with a note saying that he knew she had asked for Josephina, but he thought Kit looked so much like her that he really wanted her to have Kit. She was THRILLED! Absolutely never thought another thing about it. This year, Santa is all prepared with Kirsten, but she is asking for Ruthie. Ugh. Santa will be bringing yet another note saying that since they aren't making Kirsten any more and he knows she had always liked Kirsten, so he wanted to give her Kirsten while he could. He is also putting a small (4 inch?) Ruthie in her stocking. I think it will work as well as last year. What about a note saying that he had already put Julie in her sack for delivery when she asked for Chrissa and it was just too late to change? Or maybe a note saying that he was just SURE that she would have so much fun brushing Julie's long hair that he wanted her to have Julie? I think you need a note... just come up with something creative, and then prep her for the fact that Santa doesn't always fill wishes EXACTLY...but he tries really hard! :)
First off, those pics are delicious. The top one, her hand on her chin... says so much. She is elated, but nervous. Precious. She's SO cute. I like what Ann had to say... Santa is kinda like God in my view... He doesn't always give us exactly what we think we want, but He gives us good gifts, ones He thinks we need or would be more appropriate for us. TOUGH predicament, but there's gotta be a safe way out...
P.S. You are so cute for sharing this intimate stuff with us. I love it.
Remind me to tell you the story sometime of the year we got Charlie the gift from Santa that he never asked for, and the note we wrote to go with it. It remains one of his best Christmas memory! I agree with Ann's idea, give her Julie and tell her that since she was so good this year she was one of the first children to get her wish filled, and Santa knew that her first wish was what was really in her heart. Or something like that...
The voice of Christmas present is whispering "Exchange Julie....Exchange Julie, Exchange...." Can't you hear that? I wouldn't mess with the Christmas spirits, haven't you seen the latest "A Christmas Carol" in theaters now?
Maybe it is time she talked to Esther :)! .... such an dilemna! Eloise has the wonder of Santa on her side - he can do no wrong .... that said, what's a mom to do!
I've been a lazy Santa mom .... I've gotten both my boys to buy into letting Santa pick something really good since he knows ALL there is! The only problem is sometimes I have to get extra creative after I realize I've strongly suggested my best ideas to the herd of grandparents.
good luck!
OOO! I like the idea of writing a note from santa about WHY she got Julie!!! If you can swing it...I would defiately TRY to give her Chrissa. But I think the note from Santa will keep the magic alive for her. My 3 year old added a "hippopatamus" to her list while on Santa's lap! I am scouring the earth for the cutest one out there. lol
I have the same situation. She has gone back and forth for two months so "Santa" will be bringing her Kit as she looks the most like her. I like the idea of a note explaining why and giving her the option to exchange. Good Luck deciding!
I agree with sticking with Julie and writing a personal note from Santa (Santa wrote a note last year to Marlee because something she wanted fell off the sleigh and had to come a week later via UPS). However, as a former Marketing genius, I would like your take on AG dolls in general. We have a Julie and we have a 2008 doll. Julie will forever be in the catalog with new and exciting stuff each year. Mia, 2008 doll, is no where to be seen, therefore new doll must be bought! I am soooo on to you AG!!! BTW, last year we did go to AG in Chicago for brunch with our dolls and it was an awesome memorable experience I have to admit. The girls still talk about it. Darn you AG!! Sorry for the digression...
Oh, one more thing. If there is only room for one doll under the tree. One reason to stick with Julie is there will be more books, maybe movies in the future.
Of course the picture and the story are both darling - I love the suggestion of the letter (so smart)- This is truly one of the best Santa's I have ever seen, I'm impressed. The wonder and magic of Christmas is the best ever we experience in our life. Now, the fairness of Santa is another story.
I think you should take Julie back and buy Chrissa. Next year Eloise may want a totally different AG doll. If you can't get Chrissa in ST. Paul maybe I can get it in NYC next week.
Brings back the Cabbage Doll dilemma days.
If you can't change it the letter suggestions [from Santa] are great ideas.
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