The Fantabulous Chronicles

The frosty breeze signals more than just the onset of winter; it heralds the arrival of anticipation at our doorstep. Yes, it’s that time of the year when gifts aim for a grand entrance, albeit often fashionably late! Aaron and I used to effortlessly conceal our little ones’ surprises, but as they grow older, the art of secrecy becomes a more challenging feat. Here are some hurdles we’ve encountered in our quest to keep our inquisitive kiddos blissfully unaware:

1.) Noisy Toys – I get it, toy companies want to engage both kids and parents in-store, but when a nondescript box suddenly starts casting enchantments, even the baby takes notice! Solution: Handle every box with the delicacy of glass, tiptoeing to your covert hiding spot. If that proves too ambitious, usher the kiddos out of the room and swiftly stash the box in that forgotten closet—we all have one. No judgment!

2.) Minimal Packaging – Then comes the quandary of items left unboxed. While we strive to reduce excess waste, is the recyclable box really the culprit? What about the non-recyclable plastic and styrofoam within the toy packaging? Even if a child can’t read, they can undoubtedly discern the contents from the unshielded box. Solution: Simulate a snowy spectacle on your windows, turning little eyes into oblivious witnesses. Sneak the package into a garage or other secluded space, disguising it under the pretense of taking out the trash. Alternatively, grab some spare wrapping paper and hastily conceal the mystery package. The kiddos may expect mail, but they don’t need to decipher the contents!

3.) Mail Mishaps – The holiday season wreaks havoc on mail carriers, and while their efforts are appreciated, holding onto packages for an extended joyride in the delivery truck is a bit extreme (yes, speaking from personal experience). Solution: Take matters into your own hands and collect your packages directly. It might be a hassle, but it’s a surefire way to secure your items, with the added bonus of bypassing issues 1 and 2!

As we embark on the quest for a more foolproof hiding spot, we’d love to hear your tricks for preserving the magic of surprises. Share your wisdom in the comments below!