I admitted to a friend of mine yesterday that I'm disgusted with the consumerism of Christmas. Because this was my first Christmas, I suppose it was my first time really witnessing how disgusting everyone is around the holidays. It's kind of like, "It's Christmas..... give me an ipod." "I've just gotta buy this video game console soon because Christmas is coming!"
You do not deserve any gifts just because it's Christmas. Everything that you receive is truly an unearned novelty.
The children at our public library were filling out their lists to santa... and just the fact that there was a list of shit that they wanted grossed me out. So I modified Lia's, and it read Dear Jesus instead. I made Lia dictate what she was thankful to Jesus for. Here were some of her thoughts:
1. Thank you for "night time and the stars and my bed."
2. Thank you for "play."
3. Thank you for "presents and owen's presents and princess presents."
4. Thank you for "food."
I'm trying to instill in my daughter a sense of satisfaction. I know she's very young and may not completely understand, but it is so important to me. I guess by telling her I'm reminding myself because it is so easy to get into that mindset that the world owes you something. I'm owed a set of earrings... why ?!?! because its CHRISTMAS! Why else?!
I feel sort of a like a grinchy beotch when I say these types of things. Really there are two sides to every story, and TRUTH be told I have always been in-love with Christmas. I Love the music, the feeling, the colors, the lights, the ideology.
So if you want to know....
You do not deserve any gifts just because it's Christmas. Everything that you receive is truly an unearned novelty.
The children at our public library were filling out their lists to santa... and just the fact that there was a list of shit that they wanted grossed me out. So I modified Lia's, and it read Dear Jesus instead. I made Lia dictate what she was thankful to Jesus for. Here were some of her thoughts:
1. Thank you for "night time and the stars and my bed."2. Thank you for "play."
3. Thank you for "presents and owen's presents and princess presents."
4. Thank you for "food."
I'm trying to instill in my daughter a sense of satisfaction. I know she's very young and may not completely understand, but it is so important to me. I guess by telling her I'm reminding myself because it is so easy to get into that mindset that the world owes you something. I'm owed a set of earrings... why ?!?! because its CHRISTMAS! Why else?!
I feel sort of a like a grinchy beotch when I say these types of things. Really there are two sides to every story, and TRUTH be told I have always been in-love with Christmas. I Love the music, the feeling, the colors, the lights, the ideology.
So if you want to know....
What do I want for Christmas????
I want to be a better mother. I want to be a beacon of faith and understanding for those around me.I want to be wiser with money. I need prayers and guidance for Christmas. I need more Jesus.
I hope that all of you have a very happy Christmas--filled with family, friends, food, gifts, and cheer. There is something to be said about a gift that comes from the heart with the very intention of making you smile. That thoughtful little something that was just perfect, and which came from a person so intent to make you happy that they struggled over finding the right thing! That is beautiful. That is Christmas.
I have switched to giving donations in people's names this year.
ReplyDeleteYes, We Have No Bananas
That is what Christmas should be about. I need more Jesus in my life too. You're teaching your daughter wonderful lessons about the spirit of Christmas.
ReplyDeleteYou are already an amazing mother! What a great wish... I think that's something each and every one of us can ask for (to be a more understanding mother/wife/sister/daughter/friend).
ReplyDelete~Elizabeth
http://confessionsfromaworkingmom.blogspot.com
Hi, I found your blog through the McLinky.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful post & I whole heartedly agree. We are making presents for our families this year and I think {hope?} that it's helping our kids realize that Christmas isn't about that really cool new video game or that one toy that they HAVE to have. But I just love watching them excited to make ornaments and stockings for others & decorating them just for that person.
Fabulous blog, btw :)
Fabulous post. I could not agree more. My husband & I stopped buying for everyone (including each other) many many years ago.
ReplyDeleteI love it, this is beautiful. Right now is the perfect age to teach them what Christmas is all about. Giving and not getting.... and so much more. We will have presents, but that's not what we're going to allow to be focused on in our house either. I love her sweet little list. We can't wait to get out and deliver food to some needy families with our 3 year old daughter... those are things I remember doing when I was little. :)
ReplyDeleteFirstly I totaly agree with you on this, like my blog says christmas is corrupt, and we both seem to agree that most people think that they are owed the gifts that they recive. and second thank you so much for your comment I was worried that I was the only one who thought about it like I did. its good to know that I am not alone in my chain of thought.
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