One was written on an entire ream of computer paper in 1977, and I still occasionally pick it up for bedtime reading. It's a challenge like War and Peace. Someday I'm going to plow my way through the whole thing.
One year our kids all approached their Christmas lists quite differently. I guess they thought the standard line item list wasn’t garnering quite the response they were after, which means they didn’t get everything they requested. Perhaps they thought a clever approach might work better.
The one we got from our second son was written like a business letter, complete with address, date, salutation and ended with "Sincerely Yours." He forgot one basic rule of business letters, however. Brevity is a good rule of thumb. (But at least it wasn't another novel.)
Our older son took us at our word when we said to keep it short and reasonable. His merely read:
LIST
1. a VCR.
2. a stereo.
3. a radio-powered car.
P.S. If there is room for more, see me.
Our oldest daughter got very creative with her Christmas list. It was a work of art, complete with decorative pictures and her own brand of humor:
MY CHRISTMAS LIST
1. Ferrari
2. Mink coat
3. Ruby ring
4. Arabian palomino
** 5. Patrick Duffy! (I think the stars meant she was really serious about this request.)
P.S. If you can't get those, I guess I could live with:
** 1. A canary (I wondered if this was her concession to probably not getting Patrick Duffy.)
2. Wicker cage. (At least she's practical),
3. Yellow Izod sweater
4. Two western shirts and western boots.
Maybe that meant the horse would be at the top of her list the next year.
When I asked the twins what they wanted for Christmas, they merely handed me the Christmas Wish Book from Sears.
"Do you want me to help you make out a list?" I asked.
"No, just tell Santa we want everything."
Perhaps they figured why waste your time making out a list when you're still young enough to believe that Santa has an unlimited bank account.
Personally, I never make out a list.
~~~~~
No matter what winter Holiday you might be celebrating, I wish you much happiness and blessings for the New Year. And Merry Christmas to all the Christian readers.
LOL!!!! That was hilarious, Maryann! Thanks! I ought to just toss that list and wait for Hugh Jackman to show up in my stocking ;) Thanks!
ReplyDeletef dot chen at comcast dot net
Thanks for stopping by at this busy time. Glad you liked the post. Mary Anne, my daughter did grow up to be an amazing woman and a good negotiator. I never thought about how she got her training. LOL
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this post. You can tell which time period these lists were created in by 'Patrick Duffy' and 'VCR.' I think it's great that you kept them.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
kelleyheckart@kelleyheckart.com
Celtic Chick, you are right, the lists were created a long time ago. These children are now adults with children of their own. I used to write a humor column for a suburban newspaper and this was one of the columns from way back when. I am compiling them all into a humorous memoir that I hope will find a publishing home soon.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to all who celebrate the holiday.
VERY creative!! I never made lists as a child, but I do now for my husband (because he's utterly clueless). I'm atypical, though. I don't like jewelry, etc. I asked for some kitchen gadgets (I really wanted some TOP of the line wooden spoons and a food processor), so citrus smelling lotion from Body Shop, and a girly long-sleeved T-shirt. :-)
ReplyDeleteMy DD gave me a VERY long list in the order of desire.
My DH never asks for anything, but I try to make mental lists through the year as he mentions things...
Thank goodness it's nearly over. Merry Christmas!
Clever twist with the list, but it is traditional too! I think everyone wishes for things they know they're never going to get . . . still it sure feels nice to dream!
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