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Hey Dad,

I feel a little like Dr. Frankenstein who, while trying to make the world a better place, created a monster. At least I haven't been sewing body parts together in hopes of creating a golfing buddy.

I just love Christmas and, like the Ghost of Christmas Present, I drink deeply from the milk of human kindness—and would love to know where he got that really cool wreath hat. My family loves the whole ball of wax—the smells, sounds, sights, and feelings that go along with the greatest month of fathering.

The only problem is that … I've created a Christmas monster. My kids are driving me nuts with Christmas-mania.

"Can we decorate tonight?"

"Can we decorate our rooms?"

"Can we decorate something?"

"When do we get our tree?"

My son Ike (9) is the family Christmas Crier. Every morning within three minutes of waking up, Ike walks up to me and announces, "Only 'X' days 'til Christmas, Dad." He then reminds me at least a couple more times before the sun goes down.

I've tried to put the brakes on and slow them down, but they're barreling down the Christmas highway of life and can't be stopped … and have made snowflakes, paper chains, and anything else that will pass as a decoration.

About the only things that keep me from my putting my foot down and shouting, "Would you give it a break!!" are the twinkles in their eyes and excitement in their voices as they rattle off all their plans for the coming month.

I'm telling you, Dr. Frankenstein would have been hard-pressed to destroy the monster if it had been wearing the contagious grin of an 8-year-old boy or the pixie-like expression of a 4-year-old little girl. Dr. Frankenstein wouldn't have killed the monster; instead, he would have helped him decorate his room.

So here's my plan: We're going to decorate early this year, and I'm gong to enjoy it—whether I like it or not. When they ask, "Can we ___?" I'm going to smile and answer, "Sure."

Dad, maybe the Christmas monster has invaded your house already too (it took over Walmart before Halloween). Instead of fighting it, embrace the monster. Pick up some twinkle lights or candy canes and watch your children's eyes sparkle.

You 'da Dad!

© 2008 Todd Wilson. Used by permission.

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