When it comes to Christmas wish lists, Bozoma “Boz” Saint John will not accept the traditional “letter to Santa Claus.” She instead requires her daughter to deliver a boardroom-worthy presentation explaining — and defending — her gift requests.
Fans got a glimpse at the unique tradition in a December 23 Instagram Reel, in which Boz’s 16-year-old girl, Lael Saint John, revealed her 2025 holiday wish list.
“She doesn’t ask. She PITCHES,” The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills mom captioned the post. “She’s been doing this since she was three years old. Yes, I’m in the position [to] give her a lot… but I want her to understand VALUE.”
Bozoma Saint John’s daughter, Lael, pitches her holiday wish list
Boz said the exercise promoted mindful consumption, as it forced Lael to really think about why she wanted a particular item, how she intended to use it, and whether the product would still matter in the next three months.
“So she makes a case. A real one,” Boz continued. “And no… I don’t go easy on her. I treat her exactly like I would anyone presenting to me in a boardroom. Weak logic gets challenged. Flimsy arguments get torn apart. Convince me.”
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Lael Saint John makes a case for her top 2 Christmas gift requests
As seen in the video, Lael’s 2025 list had only two items, both of which fit into the category of “school.” First on the list was an iPad.
“As the social media manager of my [school’s] Black Student Union, my job is to take pictures during our meetings,” Lael began. “I can also use this to study, and it’s also cheaper…”
“Cheaper than what?” Boz interjected.
“Cheaper than printing out my paper. It’s also better for the environment,” Lael responded.
Boz’s sister, Ahoba Arthur, and mom, Aba Enim, also attended the presentation. The former repeatedly applauded and cosigned Lael’s arguments, while the latter quietly watched on.
Item No. 2 was a new MacBook. Lael told her mom that her current laptop was five years old, and a new model would have better graphics, faster speed, and more bandwidth. The teen also said the new computer would make her college application process much easier.
“Thank you for watching and playing,” Lael concluded.
Bozoma Saint John says her daughter’s persuasion skills have improved
Boz admitted that the presentation was solid.
“Lawdhavmercy. She’s gotten much better over the years,” the Beverly Hills mom wrote. “Meanwhile, my sister is in the background doing what she does best…supporting, affirming, and being entirely too soft. She represents all the internet aunties and uncles who think Lael already won before the pitch even started. And my mom knows that she’s not supposed to say anything. I already know what side she’s on. SMDH Meeting adjourned. Happy holidays.”
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Why Bozoma Saint John makes Lael argue for the things she wants
The wish list presentation was similar to Lael’s annual trip pitches. Every year, Boz treats her daughter to a birthday getaway of her choice; however, Lael must deliver a presentation explaining why she chose the destination.
Boz defended the tradition in a recent interview with TODAY, insisting her daughter understands the method.
“There’s no ‘just because I want it,’” Boz said. “She had to have good rationale of why she wanted the thing she wanted. It feels very natural to her because she’s been doing this for so long. It’s not new to her. You don’t want to go through life just collecting stuff. You want to think about the long-term.”
Boz shared Lael with her late husband, Peter Saint John, who died in 2013 after a battle with cancer. The businesswoman is now engaged to Keely Watson, a surgical device representative she began dating roughly two years ago. Find out what the couple has in store for their two weddings.
