The kids are starting to participate in Christmas fully — as consumers and actually givers. In fourth grade Oliver has a great teacher, and there is a secret Santa in the room. The kid he drew asked for one of three things (the max spend is $10): a gift card, a toy, or — and I’m not making this up — “A Party Sized Bag of Lays Potato Chips.”

I asked Oliver about it, and he said, “Mom, this kid just really loves potato chips.” I mean we all do, right, but to ask for it for Christmas? Anyway, we’re going to be able to make this kid’s WHOLE CHRISTMAS. I mean, we can spring for a PARTY SIZED bag of Lays AND a $5 gift card. It’s just how we roll.

Gratuitous picture of adorable Allyson at 1 1/2 years old LOVING a bowl of chips (was it from a party sized bag? We’ll never know …).