Carter’s been working on his Christmas list. Actually, he’s been working on communicating with Santa about various holiday issues, such as, how many Polar Bears does Santa see on a daily basis? Does he see many Narwhals?
But he also gets down to business for gift time. There was the year he told every santa he saw that he wanted a Hulk costume, I’m assuming he didn’t realize how hard it might be for Santa’s elves to have to contact the Halloween goblins and ask them to whip up another costume at such late notice.
On the way home from an evening with Nanna, Carter started composing his list.
Carter: I want an emerald pendant, because emerald was my favorite crystal, until Nanna pointed out that it’s a gemstone. I still like it though. (reverent) It’s beautiful. It’s green. I love it.
Me: What would you do with the pendant? Would it be something you’d wear? Something you’d hang up somewhere?
Carter: Or it could be something I swing in order to hypnotize people. I’d also like a ring with a band of alternating emeralds and sapphires, although not yellow sapphires, I’ve heard they come in yellow too, but I don’t want yellow.
Then later, after a fairly rocky bedtime with Dad, a patted his back as he fell asleep:
Carter: (his head popping up from the pillow for the 80th time this five minutes) I imagine we’d have to pay Santa back, but I’d love it if he could bring us new windows so we wouldn’t have the draft. Daddy and I both really get cold in here. Daddy says new windows are expensive. I know he doesn’t like to be cold.
Me: murmur something noncommittal yet supportive, silently urging him to go to sleep.
Carter: (reminding me of a jack in the box) I’m glad it’s Christmastime. It’s the most wonderful time of the year because you can work things out with people- because the greatest gift is giving something to someone that they really appreciate, and knowing that they appreciate it. It’s also great when you get something from someone that you really appreciate and you can let them know how much you appreciate it. Then they can appreciate how it felt to get something for someone that is appreciated.
Here is his letter, although missing the back side. He added all the money in his wallet because he was worried that the emerald band might be expensive. I’ll translate below:
Mr. Fantastic Action figure with fantasticar. Pleo. Iron Man with real lights in palms, chest and boots. Thor Action-Figure with Spider-man Action Figure. Monsterquest booklet (he wants a book that explains all the episodes of Monsterquest). Doctor Octopus Action Figure with movable robotic arms.
(on the side not pictured) Emerald Pendant with real Emeralds. Iron Ring with Real Emeralds and Sapphires going Emerald, Sapphire, Emerald, Sapphire, Emerald, Sapphire all around the ring.