I will admit to feeling an awful lot like Charlie Brown this year. I didn't get that magical sensation I normally get when roaming the aisles of department stores, and looking through the aisles of Christmas Decor. Every toy that my kids would see, was sure to go on the "list" to Santa. While watching my two daughters excitedly discuss how excited they were for Santa and Presents, I couldn't help but feel a little depressed. There are people out there starving to death, and my kids are hoping they get something as senseless as a "Lalaloopsy" doll. Every gift that they would open, was just another thing they didn't need. Every gift was just another thing to take up space in their room, where the toy bins are already overflowing to begin with.
A part of me feels guilty for saying these things. I mean, I remember being a kid. I was taught that the main reason for celebration, was Jesus' birthday. I have also taught my kids this same thing. As well as spending time with family, etc, etc. I do, however, hate to emphasize on the presents. Admittedly as a child though, the presents were all I cared about. When I think of the tiny human being I was, I think to myself, "Wow, I was a brat.". Now we were poor. We were still blessed though. I was fortunate to have a mom who worked three jobs, and unfortunately would skip meals, just so she could make sure WE got fed. She never ever made us feel like we were poor though. I give her much credit for that. When Christmas came around, we'd open our presents from Santa, and I remember my mom saying, "OK, now pick one toy, to donate to a child in need." I remember loathing her for this. There I was, this little girl, a nice warm home, food to eat, and a tree with presents underneath, and I didn't want to give away even one lousy toy to a child who had nothing.
I think a part of that haunts me to this day. Which I feel has led me to feel this way. I'm also terrified that my kids will think the same thing. So in the midst of all the smiles, and laughter, all I could do was worry, that my kids were going to become spoiled brats who appreciate nothing, and all they'll ever want is more.
Before anyone gets their panties ruffled, I did not express my sadness about the whole "present" thing to my kids. I let them, as well as everyone around me enjoy their presents and food.
I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and that we take this time to appreciate the blessings that God has given us, and to also remember, that it is not, in fact, about the things we received.
Here is this weeks video, with me singing another one of my favorite Christmas songs!
O Come O Come Emmanuel - Raquelashakti
Joyeux Noel!
No comments:
Post a Comment