One great thing about the holidays is how it brings out the kid in most of us. I think the tradition of getting gifts when you’re young is fantastic for the surprise and joy it can bring. It’s hard not to feel like a kid when this time of year rolls around. Don’t ya think? On the flip side for parents it’s becoming more and more of an obstacle course to find good things that aren’t going to bring inadvertent harm to their offspring. Highlighted many times this year were the stories of toys coming from overseas burdened with toxic issues. What’s a parent to do?
Additionally there comes the stress of having to get on board with the joneses and find the most popular of toys. Last year I got my first taste of Wii. It’s probably the most fun game system I’ve ever played because of the sheer physicality of it. This year, much like last, Wii is still in short supply. Meaning people are fumbling over themselves to get one under the tree. Another big trend for this year is Elf on a Shelf. Think about this for a moment. Elf on a Shelf. My initial reaction is – at least it rhymes. That’s probably the marketing gimmick on this, as it doesn’t really feel like a surprise toy/gift to me. But to each their own.
One thing I can say is that outside of the general Christmas theme going on here at Single of the Day, it’s also good to get a song or two for kids going. That’s where today’s pick comes in. While I don’t get much for children’s music around here, I can say, this is a good one. This is a spirited song with some fun twists in the lyrics. The beat and vibe are enough to get a kid to explore dancing next to a wall to see what happens. That’s a good thing. Imagine that, keeping a kid occupied.
The wonderment of having something following you as a kid that you can’t seem to get away from is thrilling and scary. I remember getting used to it. I also remember doing things that ended up as exploring it. Playing with it. Making gestures and shapes. As long as there is light, it’s pretty much impossible to get away from your darker kin, known as the shadow. Fortunately for a very large majority of us, our shadows are harmless – unless you’re like Tony Shalhoub in The X-Files. Or Will Smith having to stay out of the dark in I Am Legend – I saw it yesterday, intense is a good word to describe that movie.
Have fun getting your inner kid out!