My Christmas Confessions

Over the years, my parents bought my brother, sister, and I FAR more than we needed. Now that we're all a bit older (22, 20, 17) they choose to spend money on taking us to memorable places. Now instead of looking forward to seeing a mound of presents under the tree, I look forward to spending time with my family. My parents saved money (by not buying presents) and took us on vacation to Mexico one year. We all got snorkel gear that year. While that wasn't at the top of any of our whish lists, I'll never forget the experience my family and I shared together. Obviously this is not practical for all families, but even buying less gifts in lieu of going to see a play or musical, or spending time serving in a soup kitchen are all wonderful things that families can do (and mine has done) together. That way you're giving the most expensive thing you can possibly give: your time.

We live in a society where everything is measured in "how much do you earn" "what kind of car do you have" attitude. All parents, including myself, want to give our children everything and more, if only there was a way to draw the line between enough and excess. Having two children of my own, and realizing that unless we were superstars we just can't afford to buy everything they want, but more importantly everything WE want for them to have, we are really trying to set the old fashioned tradition of two presents from home (plus they get presents from family and friends) and focus on being together and having quality time...corny I know,but I want my children to remember X-mass because we did something special instead of how many presents they get. I have to say that my oldest is only 5 and has only asked for one thing from "Santa" so we definetely don't have the pressure of a 13 year old breathing down our necks for the latest technological games. Our little one is 20 months and he is just as happy with a cardboard box and a wooden spoon. I guess what I am trying to say is that buying presents is something more complicated than just reading a list and we as parents have to ask ourselves why do we feel we need to buy all these things for our children... so that they love us?... so that we fit in? plus one last thing... what about going into debt buying things that by March could be broken, lost or forgotten. Merry X-mass to all.

oh, you get a grip! and a sense of humor. what are you getting your kids for xmas...water?

oh, you get a grip, dude. and a sense of humor. what are you getting your kids for xmas...water?