Christmas Expectations

Let’s face it. The Christmas season can be stressful. Kara and I both wrote about our Christmas traditions last year. But what about Christmas expectations?

Ben wrote a letter to Santa this year. He writes one every year. But this year was different. I know that time is ticking away until he no longer believes. There was nothing on his list that surprised me – typical little boy stuff – a 4x4 Rubik's Cube, new hockey skates, NHL 19, etc. And then there it was…at the bottom of his list in big letters. FORTNITE.

Ugh.

I had big expectations for this Christmas to be the best one yet. I’ve been secretly planning a trip to the 2019 Winter Classic. And now this. Fortnite. Not familiar with it? Let me explain. It’s an online video game that has basically taken over the world since it was released last year. The goal – to be the last person standing. Kids. Adults. Professional athletes. Grandparents. Everyone is playing Fortnite. Everyone except Ben. Or so he thinks…

I don’t want to get into a parenting debate on whether Fortnite is appropriate for my 9-year-old son or not. It’s fine if you let your kids play. It’s okay if his buddies have it. It’s okay if my friends play it. But this is my house and my rules. Even Santa Claus isn’t going to get this request by me. Before you call me a hypocrite (he does play video games) hear me out. His screen time is closely monitored at my house for a variety of reasons. He doesn’t play online with anyone – even his buddies.

I spent the last few weeks talking to Ben about his Christmas list. I even tried to tell him that Santa doesn’t bring anything without my approval. Although I’m not sure he heard me.

“If Santa brings Fortnite, it’s not like I can return it.”

“It is Santa’s decision.”

“I didn’t really ask for a lot of other stuff.”

Double ugh. With a capital U.

I almost broke down and bought it because I didn’t to ruin Christmas for Ben. I didn’t want to be the one responsible for Ben not believing in Santa anymore. But I didn’t. I didn’t let some silly video game stand in the way of my parenting.

I’ll never be able to forget the look of disappointment on Ben’s face when he opened NHL19 – hoping and praying that it was Fortnite. It may have only been for a split second, but I saw it. As a parent, that is the last thing you want to see on Christmas morning. Thankfully, Ben quickly moved on to the next gift and even cracked a big smile when he open his big gift from Mom. Hopefully, those tickets softened the blow. Even just a little bit.