Does anyone else remember the days of the special edition Christmas catalogs–glossy magazine pages filled with carefully photographed wonders that just begged to be circled with a big red marker?!? I remember those well, as does my mother. She commented just the other day that she knew as soon as I saw them I would ask for everything on every page. And apparently, if I was told to narrow it down to just one thing, I would generally pick the most expensive thing in the catalog. What did I know about the cost of things at age 8? I like to believe I just had good taste for one so young!
What I didn’t like about those catalogs was that I couldn’t keep them to all to myself. Even though it was hard to let go, I was forced to share them with my sister. (Sometimes I was so mistreated!)
I really miss those days. While we do get the occasional toy book or sales ad from various companies, it’s not the same as the whole catalogs from companies like Sears, JCPenney, and Spiegel. (Ah Spiegel…the stuff of my dreams as a teenager.) Some days I’m glad they tapered off with the big books. I can’t imagine trying to keep up with three kids trying to make magic marker circles around their Christmas wishes in one book. I imagine whatever happened, it would escalate very quickly.
Since my children were pretty much weaned on the internet, they never had as much need for catalogs. I have one child who used to keep “bookmarks” on his Granny’s computer, so that she would know what to buy him. They have never been the type of kids to ask for everything they see, but if they decide on something that they really, really want, they are pretty quick to let me know.
And that’s where The Wish List comes in. My problem has never really been what to buy my children for Christmas. My problem has been what to tell everyone else when they ask what the kids want for Christmas! I started having them make wish lists many years ago. That way, I could figure out what their “Santa” gift was going to be and get ideas for stocking stuffers. Then I could share the rest of the list with family members. Please don’t get the wrong idea–we have never demanded that anyone get our children any certain gift, but most of our family members do call and ask what the kids would like to have. I’m always glad to get gift suggestions from others and I think a lot of people feel the same. It’s easier to shop and stick to a budget if you know what you are looking for!
Wish lists aren’t just for children either. In the past, I have made wish lists for gift exchanges with various adult family members. They can also come in very handy if you can convince your spouse to make one. At least, I think they would. I haven’t convinced mine to make one yet and he probably wouldn’t look at mine!!
The greatest thing about a wish list is that it can be big or small. It can have the simplest of requests or the most outrageous of dreams. It is, very simply put, your wish!
Here are a few things on my Christmas Wish List this year:
- spatula (my favorite one broke)
- bed sheets
- new glasses
- my great-grandmother’s piano that is in “storage”
- an overnight with my husband
- a wildly successful blog
That’s about it! Of course, that’s just a general overview. I really like presents so I will take anything I get!! Speaking of presents, I have one here on the blog. I’ve created this Christmas Wish List free printable. It’s yours to print whenever you want! Then tell me, what’s on your Christmas Wish List?
What a great idea! I have the same problem. I end up quickly Googling the lastest & best toys for their age. I’m going to use this to make my life easier, thank you for sharing!
sarah sofia knepp recently posted…One Room Challenge Week 6: Big Girl Room Reveal
You’re very welcome! Thanks for reading. I hope this helps you out!
It’s so funny how our wish lists change over time, isn’t it?!
Madison | Wetherills Say I Do recently posted…Graphic Design 101
It’s amazing! I still remember when I thought a Cabbage Patch doll and a Panda ring were the best things you could possibly get!!
The last 2 items on your list are similar to mine! It’s interesting how our “wants” change as we grow up… it’s no longer about toys or “things”… We want more meaningful and precious gifts like time alone with the hubby, or grandma’s old piano. Yes, a piano is an item, but I’m guessing for you, that piano has heartfelt memories attached to it as well. I hope you and your family have a very happy holiday!
Thank you Tiffany! Oh the stories I could tell about that piano. It’s been in three states and various houses. I’ve asked for it to be moved into my home every year for Mother’s Day, my birthday, and Christmas–someday, I’ll get my wish. Here’s hoping everything on your list comes true as well!
I remember the huge Toys R Us catalog!
For christmas I want an iPhone 6, an iMac, and a new pair of boobs. LOL!
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Bwahahaha!!! I love it! I don’t think I want a whole new pair, I just want them back where they used to be. ; )
We went the easy route this year since my son is in Pre-K and learning to draw shapes and write. We got a copy of the Toys R Us Big Toy Book and gave him a marker with instructions to circle what he wants on his wishlist!
Lol Sarah…that will probably be one of the most effective ways to teach shapes ever!!
“An overnight with my husband” sounds like the best gift I could ever receive. I do remember those old catalogs. Looked forward to them every year and I think a Wish List is BRILLIANT! People need are in need of specific things anymore and I would rather get need or something a child REALLY wants than just another toy to stack in the pile. I hope you get a wildly successful blog this year because this piece is great! And to answer your question, I want an overnight too and my car needs tires.
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Aw Rachel…thank you!! You’re so sweet! I hope you get your wishes too. Especially those tires! We just put new tires on our van and that’s why the overnight is probably going to be just a wish.
We just got the Big Book this week and since my daughter is too little to pick, I went through it and circled everything I want to buy her! This list will come in handy!
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I’ve done that before. My problem was always wanting to buy them too much!
It’s funny you blogged this…my husband and I had this exact conversation with our nine year old yesterday! Yes, our wants change from things you can get in a store to wanting more time and the warmth of memories ( maybe embodied in Grandma’s piano). I hope you get everything you want!
Thank you Mel! Things definitely do change, but sometimes that’s a good thing! I hope all of your Christmas wishes come true as well. : )