I know it's only October so you might say that it is too early to start shopping for Christmas presents - but we live on a remote island and things take a while to arrive. . . Now then, what would our baby like as his first Christmas present? It has to be something fun, grand, memorable and last a lifetime! Let's see here. . . Parenting: Choosing first Christmas present Saturday 27th OctoberParenting: Choosing first Christmas present Today we started to wonder what Ron would like for Christmas. I know, I know! Christmas is still a long way away and, before you ask - no, we are not one of those who deck the halls in October, but we do live on a remote island and any presents that we order online usually take a while to reach us all the way up here in Orkney, so it is never too soon to start looking. You are also right in pointing out that Christmas is more about the family activities and traditions than about the presents, especially presents for the baby who will not appreciate or remember the sentiment. We do have plenty of traditions that we had developed during the last 9 years that James and I have been celebrating together (and I will discuss these nearer the time!), but we think that gifting gifts and finding unexpected treasures in a festive stocking is a part of Christmas too - and is somewhat important, especially to a child. So . . . Ron will be about 3 months old by the time the festivities are in full swing, so at first we were thinking that we should focus on getting or making some toys that provide sensory stimulation - brightly coloured, weirdly shaped and textured things that make sounds. . . Then we realised that we already have a couple of baby toys like that and that getting more of the same kind of thing is futile, especially considering that he would not really remember any of it. . . Surely, there must be something better! Then James thought that it would be a good idea to continue with the silver coin tradition we have inadvertently started since before he was born. A shiny 1 oz silver coin decorated with various commemorative figureheads and boasting this year's date on would capture a little piece of history whilst also helping to save for Ron's future. Silver would only increase in value and, one day, he could sell his coins for a nice profit or keep them for a lovely family heirloom souvenir. We both liked this idea, so we will be keeping an eye out for a nice silver coin for Ron's collection! I am keen on yoga and been following a programme on YouTube for a while before my pregnancy began (I will do it again just as soon as Ronnie stops nursing all the time and affords me a little more spare time), so I thought it would be a good idea to get my baby into yoga as soon as possible too! I think it is a good way of helping my baby develop flexibility, strength, balance and help alleviate any tummy aches too! It is brilliant, that is why a baby yoga is totally a "thing" and if we lived in a city I am sure there would be many classes offered nearby, where an experienced yogi would explain baby-safe yoga techniques. However, here on Eday we have no such luxury - so a home workout DVD might be a pretty good answer to that. . . . I think it is a way of investing in Ron's future as well - but in a more emotional, good habit building sort of way! But there is also something a little bit "out there" that popped into James's mind. He suggested it to me and, after a little discussion whether or not it would make a good first Christmas present for Ron, we decided to go for it. It is something fairly unique and interesting that will last Ron a lifetime. He can use it to have a bit of passing fun amongst friends, but it also a serious piece of history and is a part of a long-standing British tradition. It can be a little embarrassing in some circles but it may also be seen as prestigious and special in others. In either case, he can tell people about it or he can keep it a secret, it is totally up to him! So, what is it? It is a noble title. That's right - we purchased a noble title of a Baron from the Principality of Sealand. Sealand is a micronation with a very interesting and unique history! It is located on an offshore sea fort platform in the North Sea, close to Suffolk, England. There is a tonne of information on Sealand's website and on their Wikipedia page, so you can do your own research there, but all I am interested in at this point is that, as an independent sovereign state, they sell legitimate noble titles for purchase. So Ron is now a Baron! If he wants to, he can be officially addressed as Lord Ronald. When filling in various forms, he can say that his title is a Baron, instead of just a plain Mr as well. A lifetime of fun, how great! But he doesn't have to use it or tell anyone about it if he thinks it's lame (because, let's admit it - it is just ever so slightly lame!). It is not an earned title, it is a purchased one, therefore is just bit of fun. It is just a small bit of quirky British history. . . . I told you it was a little bit "out there"! We also purchased commemorative silver coin, because my earlier thinking of future investments made sense - and because Sealand coins have limited mintage, making them a little bit rarer and, hopefully, more likely to increase in value.
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