Dear Santa

Dearest Santa,

 

I underestimated your magical powers. I questioned the wisdom of the decision. On Christmas Eve, after you visited us a few hours early, I watched the recognition and delight come over the children's faces as they realized. They had each just received their very own tablet. Don't we already struggle with too much screen time? Will they all be off to their own corners of the house and we'll never see them again? What about BOOKS? No going back. They have the packaging torn open, they're holding those shiny new toys and marvelling at the power in their hands.

 

That moment was the beginning of a stretch of FIVE DAYS that have been the true Christmas Gift in our home. The technology is great, the kids love the toys, but here's the absolute very best thing. No. Fights. They settle in on the couch next to each other. They play for hours. There is: No fighting about who is taking up too much space on the couch. No arguing about what game they should play next, what's not fair about whatever thing is happening at that moment, just imagine the possibilities of problems. NONE of it is happening. They are laughing with each other and cooperating. They are having fun together. They're working together as their characters in the game build farms and raise chickens. Even when they take a break for breakfast, the goodwill spills over to the Real World and they help each other without being asked.

 

So, Santa, from the kids, thanks for the tablets.
From the parents, thanks for the five (almost) completely fight free days. We appreciate it.