The Bestest Present Ever

Do you have an all-time favorite Christmas present? Something you got one year that you will forever remember? I do. Keith and I just sat though another disappointing ending to Survivor [will the person we root for ever win?], and soothed the loss by talking about our childhood Christmasses. From this discussion, I learned a very interesting thing: Keith experiences life as as being a constant, even experience. No real highs, no real lows. And apparently, no real stand-outs for Christmas presents. I on the other hand, have a vivid memory of getting the Crayola Caddy. You know the Caddy, right? I mean, who doesn't, right? A lovely yellow square, it's sides lined with crayons and paints, and the top with a crown of markers? Oh, how I lusted over the Crayola Caddy that year. In South Africa we have a store called OK. It's a Walmart-ish store [I think, I can't really remember], and I remember this particular year standing in the toy aisle at OK drooling over the Caddy while my mom shopped. I don't remember asking for it, or even talking about it, but somehow, when we opened gifts that year, there it was!! A Crayola Caddy of my own. Still not sure what I'm talking about? Click over to this person's blog, and scroll down. There's a delightfully fuzzy picture of a Crayola Caddy.


http://koolkittymusings.typepad.com/kool_kitty_musings/2007/04/children_of_the.html

I also remember Karen and my cousins Karla and Rudolf trying to play with it that Christmas Eve. Back off,  people, it's MY Caddy! And if you insist on playing with the Caddy, at least put the crayons back in color order. Light colors to dark colors, not any ole crazy order.



So it was a surprise to me that Keith didn't remember any toy as being a standout. I know for sure that Gran GG is a good advisor to Santa, and a good gift shopper herself, so I know he got good Christmas gifts. I think his lack of a favorite is just a reflection of his, and my, personalities. He's always even-keel, I tend to remember life as a series highs and lows. It does make me wonder what memories C&G will hold on to as they grow older. Will they remember me getting exasperated when they throw food [food I slaved over] from their high chairs - a low for me at least-, or splashing during bathtime and completely soaking Dada and the entire bathroom floor -a high for me, but I think Keith might disagree-? I do hope they remember the fun of playing with the ornaments on the tree [they're getting braver by the day], "helping" Dada put outside lights up, and singing Christmas songs to overcome temper tantrums. I suppose time will tell.


While we're on the topics of gifts and what time will tell....time will tell if Aunt Angela's & Gran GG's gifts survived the Grady & Cole chaihh test. What is this test, you ask? Well, you sit on the gift, of course. If it doesn't buckle and the box doesn't crumble, it's a CHAIH, and you can sit on it. See?