Giving vs. Getting

J and I decided that it was important to teach the boys that Christmas is not just about getting presents, but also about giving presents. We have been talking to N a lot about this, but we also thought of a neat way to have him participate. The firestations here were having a toy drive, so we decided to take the boys on Saturday to the firestation and let them take a toy to donate. In addition, they would also get to see the firestation and the firetruck as an added incentive.
The present that we picked out to donate was a blue bike. N was very excited about going to the firestation and giving the bike... until we actually got there. We met the fireman and although M was all smiles and hopped right into the firetruck, N wanted no part of it. He was very content and happy to look on from the safety of our arms. He was fine with giving the bike, but then decided that he also wanted a bike like that and talked about it for quite a few days. I kept reminding him that we were giving the bike to a child who was less fortunate than him and that Santa was going to bring him something special of his very own. The whole concept confused him a little bit, but I think we finally resolved it. He kept asking me how Santa would get the present from the firemen and I think we finally figured out that the firemen were Santa's helpers and helped collect presents for the children who didn't have mommy's and daddys since Santa was so busy in his workshop... whew!
N then told me: "Mommy, Santa is so bizzy cuz he makin my toys!"
Oh well, hopefully the "giving" concept sunk in somewhere in his little head!