Brian’s Blog: Christmas is a Time for Kids to Dream

I'm perplexed. Only one of my children, my 6-year-old son, has been bombarding me (and Santa) with his Christmas wish list. What are my three daughters expecting?

I have three daughters, ages 16, 13, and 10. Not one of them has said anything about what they want for Christmas. Maybe some passing mentions, but nothing definite.

My son, on the other hand, has been relentless. His list is pretty much carved in stone.

• A skate board with a skull on it.

• A radio controlled helicopter.

• A radio controlled car.

The skateboard is a pride thing. He has a small beginner model now, but an older kid in the neighborhood made fun of it as being "for a baby". I can understand. I played baseball with a beginner's mitt up until 7th grade, and was ridiculed for playing with a "baby's glove". The day I got a full sized mitt was a big deal. A new skateboard would be a big deal for my son.

As I said , his list is pretty consistent. Until a commercial for the latest toy comes on TV. Then, that's the must-have gift that he won't be able to live without.

What was the gift you wanted the most as a child? Did you get it? What's on your kids' list this year?

Parenting Magazine has some great, inexpensive gift ideas. Check them out here.