MONEY IS NO OBJECT

With Maggie being seven years old (almost eight), I know that our time is limited as to how much longer she is going to believe is such things as the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, and Santa Claus. I have expected questions regarding the feasibility of such from her any day, but so far, she has shown nothing but unfaltering belief in a tiny winged creature that exchanges money for teeth, a large rabbit that hides plastic eggs full of candy, and a fat guy in a red suit that is pulled around by reindeer in a sleigh on Christmas Eve to bring presents. In almost any other regard, Maggie is pretty sharp and seems to be very perceptive about sensing subtle nuances about situations that others her age usually don't pick up on. I'm actually quite surprised that she hasn't shown even a shadow of doubt about these time-honored children's figures.

I had to hold back a laugh while we were shopping at Target today. The kids, of course, always ask to go look at the toys once we are done getting whatever it is we actually came for. As long as we're not pressed for time, I have no problem letting them longingly stroll through the toy aisle - - always the Barbie aisle for Maggie, and action figure aisle for Aleita. Today as we walked through the toys, Maggie and Aleita continually commented to each other about various toys that they wanted. They are both actually usually quite good about understanding that they are just LOOKING at the toys and that we will not actually be PURCHASING any that day. I have seen a few kids have melt downs in the toy aisle over the denial of that moment's heart's desire, so I am at least glad that my kids understand that throwing a fit will in no way further their cause of getting what they want. Anyway - they were both talking about which toys they planned on asking from Santa for Christmas. As we left the toy aisle, Aleita spied a large camping tent hanging from the ceiling above the sporting goods department. "I am going to ask Santa for that tent!" she declared.

Seeing the price tag of $299, I said to her, "that tent is pretty expensive, you know."

Maggie very nonchalantly replied, "That's ok, Mommy. Santa can buy anything he wants."

"Is that so?" I asked her.

She looked at me as though I had an IQ of 15. "Mommy, " she said, "how do you think I got my bike last year? It's not like you and Daddy could have bought it for me."

I shook my doltish head to show that I understood. Perhaps Santa will come through for her, but somehow, I am guessing not.