Vander Linden Musings

OK- so since Gerritt was about 3 years old we have been battling to keep the Christmas myth going. When he was three he noticed the wrapping paper was the same. Every year since then, there has been something we have had to cover up. This year- he started to remark in front of his brother that the myth is not true. I figured it was time to tell him, so that he wouldn’t ruin it for the other two. I took him into BJ’s office, and we told him together. Gerritt sat there with this funny grin like- “Ha, I knew it.” Then I asked him how he felt about it (someone recently told me I should ask my children how they feel about things when a big event happens), and he started crying.

Now, BJ and I were stumped. I sat on the floor and held Gerritt and asked him what was wrong. He cried, “I didn’t want to know!”

Guess we screwed up! Later he told me not to tell his brothers as early as we told him. He also said, “Since I know, can I help you with the shopping next year?” As guilty as I felt- I STILL said no way! He laughed.

I didn’t want to tell my kids the myth- felt it was just a big lie- but we decided to anyway- and now we’ve screwed up our son!!! Oh the joys of parenting!