letters to Santa

So last night, I heard the words I've been longing to hear. Darling DragonRider announced that he wants a camera for Christmas. I've been wanting to get him one for awhile - I think it'd be so cute to see the world through the eyes of a child. And this way, he wouldn't have to worry about spending money on film development, etc. We decided that he should write this out in a note to Santa - which he knowingly said he'd give to me to deliver to Santa - wink, wink :) It was very cute. I told him that sounded great and suggested he help LittleBoyBlue and PrincessGirl with letters too. He did. I now see that I've set myself up - or Santa, rather - for failure.

I doubt I can actually afford to get him the camera this year - so I guess Santa will deliver dollars. Not exactly exciting but it's a start.
Other items found on the lists:
A real sheep
A toy sheep
A real horse
A toy horse
this continues with kitties and elephants.

I'm doomed. Or at least half doomed. I'm under the impression that DragonRider coaxed them more along the "toy" versions of these items, so perhaps they won't be too disappointed when nothing baas in a month. My question though - are letters to Santa a bad way to set expectations for items that will never be received. The proverbial/traditional pony for Christmas that never comes. Or is it okay, in a coming of age way, to be disappointed enough to learn what you want in life is rarely what you get.

Perhaps I'm over-thinking this. Certainly if they were to re-write their lists today, all new items would be included. Hmm... now there's an idea!