"Mommy, is Christmas over now?"

[SoCalDem]

Last night, a friend told me about their son's Christmas. He's 4, and this was the first time he really "got" what was going on.

It was about 10AM, and all the presents were opened, and he asked her that question.

She said: "Yes, all the presents are done & that's it...why do you ask"..

His answer?

"Because I have too many presents..I don't need anymore".

The grandparents were hugging & kissing him for being so sweet, but Mom said it kind of embarrassed her & her husband because their 4 year old was overwhelmed at all he got ..

After everyone left, they suggested to him that they get together some of his toys to donate, since he had new ones, and he said.."Next time can we do it before Christmas so the kids can have new presents to open.."?

He's such a sweet little guy...looks like a 4 yr old Harry Potter

[Drunken Irishman]

1. Technically, Christmas isn't over. We're on the 5th day of Christmas!

[Berlum]

8. We'll wrap it up at Sunset on January 6

[MADem]

9. Three King's Day--when some kids get their presents.

Makes it very affordable because one can shop those after-holiday sales.....

In a large swathe of the world "Christmas" is a religious holiday, and the gift giving happens later.

[Victor_c3]

2. I have two kids of my own

they are aged 2 and 4. Little kids are naturally sweet and caring. My oldest daughter has suggested doing donating her toys to the poor herself. Embrace it and encourage it! It sounds like your friend's son is going to grow up to be one hell of a man! Too often boys are encouraged to not show compassion and caring.

In hindsight there are many times that I wished I would have displayed more compassion and given more to people I affected. I have a lot of deep regrets for these instances (nearly all of them are related to my time in Iraq). However, I never have any regrets for the times that I stopped and gave a helping hand to a person in need. In fact, those instances are highlighted as special memories for me. Once you start giving and doing charity work you find it is addictive. As selfish as this may sound, it is a great way to feel good about yourself with the added benefit of helping someone in need.

[SoCalDem]

3. He's their only child, and has been teased for wearing glasses (at pre-school)

so he is wise beyond his years. They removed him from the pre school & now take him to another one because the teacher said.. "All kids get teased when they wear glasses".

He has to wear them because his vision is very poor and the doctors want to wait until he's a bit older to see if surgery might help correct it permanently. Right now the operation he needs is only effective "some of the time", and they only get once chance at it. With his glasses, he sees very well..He's worn them since he was a baby ..

[Victor_c3]

6. childhood is tough on a lot of people

I obviously don't know the kid's complete situation, but I suffered from the ugly duckling syndrome.I was a fat kid and a music nerd when I was kid and I had the additional issue of not having any self esteem. I turned out just fine and, when I tell everyone I was a fat kid and a band geek, everyone is shocked. I'm still a music nerd (It has been a while, but I used to play the piano at the nursing home section of my local VA hospital) but I'd like to think that I grew up to be one hell of a man and a role model for my own daughters. He'll be alright, I'm sure.

[secondwind]

4. We used to go to a children's hospital and donate unused/unwanted gifts.....

[oswaldactedalone]

5. Who will be the first to donate a "wanted" gift?

n/t

[lonestarnot]

7. Little wise man.

[tavalon]

10. Out of the mouths of babes

Your friend must be a stellar parent and it doesn't sound like that cherubic apple fell far from the tree.

[glowing]

11. This year we had a very minimal christmas. For some reason, the kid's Christmas list was short and

small. He only wanted a tennis racket/ balls, a video game, and a remote control helicopter. It was supplemented by clothes that he needed, books, and few DVD's. He's 8 now and doesn't have much need for "crap". He's finding his likes and dislikes. Its football (which he got Spring Flag Football as a present), probably fall tackle (like he did this past fall) will have some grandparents scrambling to grab up helping to pay for the sport as a birthday gift (because he wants so very little). He decided he also likes to play tennis. He had gone a few times with our neighbor and their kids to the community tennis courts and really enjoys playing (apparently, now I have to get a racket to go and play with him - I hate tennis, but its 750 callories to burn off and its gets us outside). It seemed like we spent so little and we had so much less under the tree, but he was so happy with what he got. Exactly everything that was on his list. And myself and the husband did minimum gifts and decided among our sisters and brothers families it was ridiculous to just exchange gift cards... Saving up for our summer trip was more important, and the more we save, the more we can do while we spend time together at the beach house we rented.