Tuesday, February 15, 2011

How to Screw up your Teenagers

Once upon a time there were 2 teenagers and each asked Santa for a 4th Generation iTouch. They were pretty confident they would be getting them and started talking about what songs they wanted and what Apps they wanted. They were demanding colors with all the bells and whistles attached. Mom and "Santa" began the search for the best Christmas gifts ever.
One day when "Santa" was getting all the packing and shopping done for Christmas, she came upon a problem with the iTouch order at an un-named store (TARGET.COM). There was only 1 iTouch shipped with accessories but "Santa" was charged for the 2 that were ordered...After much anger and rage, phone calls were made, people were threatened, and in the end there was a possibility that 1 of these lovely teenagers would be without a iTouch for Christmas. Mom gave the eldest teenager a "heads up".
Mom: So there may be a problem with your Christmas this year, just know that I am working on it, I love you, BUT you may have to fake a smile and get nothing on Christmas morning.
Eldest Teenager: What? Really? No! Ug, ok I guess as long as it is coming, it is coming right? I will get one right?
Mom: Possibly or something equally as good. Don't tell younger teenager, it is just between you and me.
The next day Mom was talking to younger teenager, she asked him what he wanted more, an iTouch or a PS3 with Madden 11. Younger teenager did not blink an eye, he said, "iTouch-no question. But the iTouch comes with a dock and all the cases right?" Mom assured Younger teenager that all would be well.
3 days before Christmas the missing iTouch appeared on the doorstep with all accessories inside. It was a huge relief for Mom and "Santa". They took a deep breath and then a wonderfully horrible idea popped into Mom's head. Mom thought: it is always best to be surprised on Christmas morning. If the kids know what they are getting ahead of time there is no "wow" factor.
So Mom pulled a prank on the 2 lovely, yet spoiled, teenagers.
Mom asked Younger Teenager to talk to her in private, she told him of the horrors of un-named store (TARGET.COM). She told him of the tragedy, the lost accessories, the undelivered iTouch. She hugged him and told him how much she loved him and did not want to ruin his Christmas, but she wanted him to be prepared for Christmas morning. She also told Younger Teenager not to tell Eldest Teenager, because it was just between them. He was sad, but hopeful that the delivery would be made in time.
Mom then privatley reminded Eldest Teenager of the missing iTouch and reminded her that she was going to have to be a good sport this year. She also reminded her to keep it a secret because Younger Teenager did not need to be upset on Christmas Eve. She told her about how being a grown up meant dealing with disappointment. She hugged her and left her to ponder adulthood and all the horrors that go with it.
Finally it was Christmas Eve and the 2 teenagers stole private moments to looked to their Mother with hope filled eyes. But she looked away and hung her head, she reminded each of the that she loved them and wanted them to be happy. She said she tried EVERYTHING to make it happen, but alas it was not to be. Each teenager kept their promise to Mom and did not disclose why they were so depressed about Christmas.
The sad teenagers left for their family Christmas party with heavy hearts. Each one mourning the loss of their Christmas dreams. While at the Christmas party Aunt Angie pulled Eldest Teenager aside and said, "Your mom tried so hard to make this a good christmas. Don't be mad at her, you can come over here and play on my iPad, but just don't be mad." Aunt Angie then pulled Younger Teenager aside and told him, "Your mom loves you, just remember that. She loves you a lot. Don't be mad at her." Then Aunt Kristi pulled Eldest Teenager aside and said to her, "You just have to be a good sport in the morning. We are all so sad, we tried to make things work out." Then Aunt Kristi pulled Younger Teenager aside and repeated her heartfelt plea, "Don't be mad at you parents, they tried everything." Then the family departed and the 2 teenagers were left teary eyed and full of gloom.
The teenagers and younger sibling all slept in 1 room awaiting Santa's arrival. In the dark of the night, they began to discuss what was going on and confessed to each other about the iTouch secret and horrors they had been holding inside. That is when they discovered that both of them were told the same thing from all the adults. They concluded that there were NO iTouches to be had for either of them this year, they were getting nothing for Christmas. There were tears shed, and angry thoughts shared before falling into a fitfull sleep.
When they awoke Christmas morning, they begrudingly went down stairs with no hope or joy in their hearts only to discover.....

YEP 2 iTouches with all the accessories-it was a Christmas Miracle















And that is how you keep your kids on their toes and a hope in their hearts!
Merry Christmas!

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