The Annual Christmas Present Dilemma

The children have written their wish lists for Santa.  And of course, I am left with the debate...to buy or not to buy.  I want to encourage the belief that Santa is "alive and watching and listening to your requests" but the carefully kid-printed/misspelled items on the lists are usually too expensive, complete crap or simply not possible.

Bug's "Dear Santa" list- (please note all items include a hand-drawn representation)
Walkie-Talkie set that can talk up to 20 feet
Basketball Hoop that can hang on the wall
Big Angry Bird pillow (space pig) -
Air Hockey table
Spy net Video Glasses
Night sight goggles
A rock kit
Zipline for my backyard
(Also included: Are you real? circle one  YES or NO)

Mealyworm's "Dear Santa" list-
Camera
Barbie
MP3 Player
iPad

Early Bird's "Dear Santa" list-
rocking horse
baby play set
dog vet kit

Ultimately, it probably comes down to my failings as a mother.  I should probably be guiding the Santa lists more....steering the children to items I actually want to buy them.  But isn't it more fun to sit in front of the Black Friday ads and pick all the things you'd love to have?  I don't know, I try to be a conscientious-minded parent, teaching the "what's really important" lessons...but in my heart of hearts sometimes I like to provide my kids with experiences I always wish I had growing up.

My addictive personality

So I managed to watch 3 and half seasons of The Vampire Diaries in my non-existent spare time over the last couple of weeks.  I watched episode after episode on Netflix until the current season and then scoured the CW website and internet black market for the new stuff.  Its official, I'm totally obsessed.

This is why I can't keep White-out and those thick black permanent markers in the house.