The cardinal sin

He drew her to his side and asked the obligatory "and what do you want for Christmas?" The preschoolers and their parents fell silent as they listened for her answer. I know what she wants for Christmas. She had chosen it early on while pumpkins still adorned our porch and colorful leaves clung to the trees. She has actually dreamed of it from the time she was three, staring at the pictures as we would paint vivid pictures of own with each story. I sunk into my seat waiting to see how she would verbalize her wish.

"I want money."

I felt my face start to flush and yet I understood her perfectly. She was standing her ground, holding up her end of the bargain and I was proud of her.

I heard something about "raising pampered princesses" to the right of me. Parents were whispering and giggling as Santa tried to fix the seemingly selfish request but I kept my gaze on my brave little girl. She collected her candy cane and made her way back to her peers. I gave her the thumbs up when she glanced back at me.

Grandma and Grandpa visited Hawaii a few years back and fell madly in love with it. They bought a time share that we, as an extended family, get to enjoy every three years. Allie was too little the last time we traveled there so she had an extended vacation at her other grandparents home. She has waited with bated breath for this time to come. Unfortunately the recession and life happened and our children were given the choice of having Christmas or writing to Santa and asking him for money so we could make it to Hawaii. The choice was quick and unanimous . . . no Christmas, thank you.

So you go little girl. I'm proud of you for sacrificing Christmas for something you want even more. And I'm proud of you for doing it with a smile on your face.