Santa is very clever. He figured out nine years ago how to let mom and dad sleep without worry that kids are peeking at their presents early on Christmas morning. He seals off the entry to the room of gifts with Christmas wrapping paper.... when it's time to go in (and we've made them sing a million Christmas carols, taken their picture, turned on the music, gotten the video camera ready, etc., etc.), the kids RUN through the paper (much like a football team coming onto the field) and they burst into the room for the big moment!
The kids love this tradition. The very first year really surprised the boys who were 5 and 4 years old. We encouraged them to run through the paper, and while apprehensive they gave it a shot and actually bounced backward off the paper without making it through! (Maybe too much tape?) This year found Benson leaping over the banister, much to our mixed chagrin and delight... so I think it's ultimately been a roaring success.
We've done this in 5 different places now and each one has posed advantages and disadvantage... here are a few tips we've learned:
1. Watch the airflow. When sealed completely and taped TOO well.... two things can happen: a) This can suck the whole thing down in the middle of the night. (A real bummer at 3 am). And b) the occupied room without airflow can drop a good 20 degrees from the rest of the house.
2. Hanging the paper without an escape route leaves you...stuck inside with the presents. This really is a two person job and takes skills similar to agents in Mission Impossible. Slipping out without dragging the whole thing down takes strategery!
3. Buy specific wrapping paper that hasn't been seen already on presents under the tree. Kids tend to be pretty smart and Santa prefers to stay magical about the whole thing.
4. Hang the paper from top to bottom, not side to side... regardless of the writing/images on the paper. I'm telling you this is where the law of gravity can work for or against you. (Again, hearing the paper fall at 3 am really keeps you from feeling the Christmas spirit).
Can you tell we've learned the hard way? But it's totally worth seeing their faces Christmas morning and the extra deep sleep it allows moms and dads. Once you start this, you'll never go back...
2 comments:
What fun! You are SO SMART! Wish I had heard about this idea when my children were younger.
I just found your blog! I must say that I was so moved watching the Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert. I was busting up at the guy's donkey/sheep singing and then I felt the Spirit so strong with the other songs. I saw your pretty face! Thank you for bringing us all SO much joy that get to listen to your beautiful talent.
Emily, you are probably the coolest mom EVER! I adore this tradition of yours! My family TOTALLY wants to do it. I hope you don't mind, but I posted a link to your blog so that my 5 blog readers could learn about wrapping up their family rooms too.
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