Our children await Christmas presents like politicians getting in

Yes — that line is by Marcelene Cox, an American humorist and newspaper columnist known for her witty and insightful observations about everyday life.

“Our children await Christmas presents like politicians getting in election returns: there's the Uncle Fred precinct and the Aunt Ruth district still to come in.”
— Marcelene Cox

Context and Interpretation

Cox often drew parallels between domestic life and broader social or political behavior in a humorous way.
In this quote, she compares children’s anticipation for Christmas gifts to politicians anxiously awaiting election results — both eagerly counting the remaining “districts” (or in the children’s case, gifts from different relatives) with hope and excitement.

It’s a charming example of her light, clever commentary on human nature and family life.