What do the kids really want for Christmas?
A couple of years ago I came across this IKEA commercial video which really spoke to me.
It’s called ‘The Other Letter’. They did an experiment asking children of different ages to write to The Three Kings for what they’d like for Christmas. They quickly scribbled down things like a Wii®, a unicorn, a soccer ball, etc. After collecting the letters, they were then asked to write another letter, this time they are writing to their parents of what they really want for Christmas. The responses would amaze you; they just wanted their ‘time’.
Time to laugh together, time to play together and just be there. The parents were lost for words, the thing is, they actually knew deep down this is what their children would want, they were in tears.
Then one final question for the kids; “If you could send one of the two letters, which one would you send? The one to the Three Kings or the one to Mom and Dad?” Difficult question but at the end they went with the letter to mom and dad. What does that say to us?
Coming up with presents for our own children every year is so much fun, but this video clip has taught me that no matter what we give there is nothing more dear to them than the quality time we spend.
The simplest toy becomes the favorite when it’s been associated with ‘the time mama played with me’ or ‘when daddy helped me with my puzzle’. We have a laundry basket at home that seems to be the best thing in the world because each of our kids have been pushed around in it up and down the hall.
Camryn still asks me to put a blanket over my head and pretend to be the enchantress because one time I made them hunt for treasure as hidden by the enchantress. Julia will take out her tea set because it means special guests (mama or daddy) can join. As for my husband, he can tell you the many times that the kids just want to be carried to their beds, begged for bike rides or to shoot the basketball in our little living room…they aren’t NBA obsessed but they know it makes daddy light up and the delight in their voices will send you soaring.
Let’s hold our loved ones and make each season memorable, not with the material things but by the things that will forever be cherished, our gift of self. There really are some wishes that are within our capability to fulfill, and it’s free. Make them come true.
Love,
Lorena and family
Greetings Len-Len!
I was blessed with joy with your reflection. Thanks. About ten years ago, when I was starting a program for children left behind by one or both parents, I was confronted with my research question about “long distance parenting”. Your article affirmed my definition of “quality presence “. OFWs may however need to dig up from their creative juices to do this. This is where we need to always refer to our experience of love.
Salamat.
Thank you so much Tito Nick. Thank you for your great selfless commitment to young people
You’re right about suggesting creative approaches for families in long distance situations. With love and God there is a way. I’ve spoken to some young adults who have recently been reunited with their overseas Working parents and the amount of maturity they possess is astounding. They understood the sacrifice and pain their parents had gone through, almost downplaying their own pains. Being able to talk about it with trusted friends and families seem to help. Readjusting to life together and in a new environment can be overwhelming too. Praying for families everywhere.
A big part of writing this blog is a reminder for myself, that busyness can’t rob me of really getting to know our own children. There’s such a danger of taking my own family for granted, still learning and growing.
Beautiful, thought provoking and so very true. I myself find myself wrapped up in the daily grind and forget to actual play with my kids to be present with them instead of absent-minded in the moment. A great reminder! 💖👍
Thank you so much! We all need to remind one another. May you and your family have a blessed New Year!!