Oh the holidays, season’s greetings to you all shala bumchakalaka… J
In the midst of the revival of retail due to all the last minute shopping --when do you actually stop and think whether or not the things you are buying for your loved ones are necessary or simply gifts for the heck of having something to give when they hand you a wrapped box?
Money is still scarce and buying “whatever” just because, just doesn’t cut it. Maybe I’m a tad more conscious of this because I try to give thoughtful gifts. Or maybe this is what most people lack when giving gifts—THOUGHT.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but what is the point of giving someone a 55 inch television when they already own three other large television sets? I just find it pointless. And I understand that if you could afford to give something this extravagant then who I’m I to judge? However what does that say about the gift giver? Hmmm….
Moving on to my next issue with gift giving: Parents who give their spoiled/rude children gifts that 1. They don’t deserve and 2. Are simply ridiculous for their age group.
((Do I have children? No I don’t. Do I have an opinion? Yes I do…))
I’m speaking from a personal experience. But let me go a little deeper as to why giving ridiculous gifts to children bothers me. Often times parents (that I know) complain that their child acts like a grown up instead of their age. That their child doesn’t listen, or respect elders. That their child isn’t doing well in their classes. Wa.Wa.Wa.
Then! Xmas rolls around or Los tres reyes, and they go and buy their 10 year old spoiled daughter a digital cam worth 150 bucks. Or! Their rude 12 year old an 8G IPod. REALLY?!
----------------------------------------------REALLY????----------------------------------------------
This is when I SHAKE MY HEAD Vigorously. How do you expect your child to behave and act their age, when you are rewarding their poor behavior with a 200 dollar iPod. Behavior is taught. A 10 year old does not need a digital cam, not unless you are sending her over seas on a trip she won through a scholarship. What does this teach to the child? Hmmm… But I digress. Maybe I am just bitter because I didn’t get an iPod until the age of 22, and a digital cam at the age of 23. Then again I was perfectly happy with a Barbie at age 10 and with the hello kitty stickers my cousins bought me (which lasted me a whole semester at school).
I can understand that as a parent you want to give your child things you probably didn’t have growing up. But I think there is something to be learned from the “simple” gifts that once were given--- they made you appreciative of the little that you had and taught you that Xmas is not about gifts-- it’s about spending time with people that make you happy. Whether that’s family, friends or at a soup kitchen (<-- now that’s nice!). I can also understand that children can’t understand the above, because they are CHILDREN. But it is really up to the parent to teach them this along the way. Like many of my friends, I didn’t have much growing up and when I did receive something I cherished it. This has transcended into the way I am today as a grown woman. Except of course when the gift is something like a plant--- hahaha (or is it ho ho ho?).Just some humor!
In the midst of the revival of retail due to all the last minute shopping --when do you actually stop and think whether or not the things you are buying for your loved ones are necessary or simply gifts for the heck of having something to give when they hand you a wrapped box?
Money is still scarce and buying “whatever” just because, just doesn’t cut it. Maybe I’m a tad more conscious of this because I try to give thoughtful gifts. Or maybe this is what most people lack when giving gifts—THOUGHT.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but what is the point of giving someone a 55 inch television when they already own three other large television sets? I just find it pointless. And I understand that if you could afford to give something this extravagant then who I’m I to judge? However what does that say about the gift giver? Hmmm….
Moving on to my next issue with gift giving: Parents who give their spoiled/rude children gifts that 1. They don’t deserve and 2. Are simply ridiculous for their age group.
((Do I have children? No I don’t. Do I have an opinion? Yes I do…))
I’m speaking from a personal experience. But let me go a little deeper as to why giving ridiculous gifts to children bothers me. Often times parents (that I know) complain that their child acts like a grown up instead of their age. That their child doesn’t listen, or respect elders. That their child isn’t doing well in their classes. Wa.Wa.Wa.
Then! Xmas rolls around or Los tres reyes, and they go and buy their 10 year old spoiled daughter a digital cam worth 150 bucks. Or! Their rude 12 year old an 8G IPod. REALLY?!
----------------------------------------------REALLY????----------------------------------------------
This is when I SHAKE MY HEAD Vigorously. How do you expect your child to behave and act their age, when you are rewarding their poor behavior with a 200 dollar iPod. Behavior is taught. A 10 year old does not need a digital cam, not unless you are sending her over seas on a trip she won through a scholarship. What does this teach to the child? Hmmm… But I digress. Maybe I am just bitter because I didn’t get an iPod until the age of 22, and a digital cam at the age of 23. Then again I was perfectly happy with a Barbie at age 10 and with the hello kitty stickers my cousins bought me (which lasted me a whole semester at school).
I can understand that as a parent you want to give your child things you probably didn’t have growing up. But I think there is something to be learned from the “simple” gifts that once were given--- they made you appreciative of the little that you had and taught you that Xmas is not about gifts-- it’s about spending time with people that make you happy. Whether that’s family, friends or at a soup kitchen (<-- now that’s nice!). I can also understand that children can’t understand the above, because they are CHILDREN. But it is really up to the parent to teach them this along the way. Like many of my friends, I didn’t have much growing up and when I did receive something I cherished it. This has transcended into the way I am today as a grown woman. Except of course when the gift is something like a plant--- hahaha (or is it ho ho ho?).Just some humor!
Parents--- if your child deserves it and you can afford it then go for it, you have my blessing. But if your child doesn’t, don’t complain two months later when they want a Mac. That’s yo’ fault homie.
Grownups- if you can’t afford a gift don’t go on a scavenger hunt for coins or worse into more debt. No one ever died of not receiving a xmas gift. But that doesn’t mean you can’t join in the festivities, do a potluck (like my friends and I have/will do). Make a card from scratch—still a good look for the fridge. Or simply, HUG THAT ISH OUT. People know the deal, unless you’re living under a rock--- you know we are in a recession.
So why do I give a gift? Because I like to see the look on the persons face when they open it. Now that right there, is priceless joy!
Be conscious. Be thoughtful.
FanStar---ReInventing MySelf.
1 comments:
I completely agree. Ur points are valid and well executed. Keep up the good work
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