Recently, I went over my friend’s house for
Thanksgiving. After I ate turkey and all
the trimmings, we all proceeded to sit down and chat. It was nice to have an in-depth conversation
with my loving friends, Jessica and Rob.
We talked about a Facebook post.
It has been falling like snowflakes on everyone’s feed, because Christmas
is flying in. The post suggested that
parents should not tell their children that high priced items (iPads, cell phones,
computers, etc.) are not from Santa. It
went on to say, “Not everyone can afford gifts of that expensive stature. Little
ones wonder why other children receive an iPad (etc.) and they didn’t.” While we sat and chatted under the
multi-colored Christmas lights, we all chimed in agreement…it’s the parent’s prerogative
to give a little or to give a lot. A
Facebook suggestion should not scold you on your giving circumstances.
No one has the right to tell you what to buy or not to buy
for your children. If you want to buy
your child a car, and you have the money to do so, that’s your business. My mom and dad based their gift-giving on their
finances. All parents should take their monetary
allowance into mind. I wouldn’t suggest
going into debt to buy an African diamond. No, please, don’t. Let the money in your wallet dictate your expenses
for Christmas. Children do need to learn
how to use their money wisely. You, the
parent, are their example. So, if some Christmas days are more lack luster than
others, that’s okay. Children will learn
lessons in limitations and pencil down points of prosperity. Here are the lessons I learned from my childhood…
I remember Christmas days where I would run down the stairs
and look upon presents galore. The fire
glistened off the wrapped gifts. My
brother and I were the stars of “Babes in Toyland”. We unwrapped, ripped, and untied present after
present. Our smiles grew like the
flickering flames. I was about 12 years
old that flourishing Christmas. Even
though, I was still a child, I knew my dad’s business thrived that year. Years later, after that childhood Christmas,
my mom recalled a memory. She said my dad
mentioned, “We need to get them more presents, San.” He was an “out-giving” soul. That generous spirit was due to his
childhood. My dad’s childhood was horrific. He was offered crumbs for dinner after
working the land at 10 years old. Presents
did not lay under the tree awaiting to be opened. Thus, he wanted to give his family the world
and more. I believe some parents “out-give”
because of their childhood memories.
Those memories were like embers, lull and dull. They want their children to experience the opposite. They want them to feel like a roaring fire,
full of excitement and glowing with happiness.
You can not hold a parent responsible for wanting to give their children
the best Christmas possible. Don’t shoot
down their bequeathing benevolence.
One year was a present blooming Christmas and another year
we were living in our camper. I learned what
was behind the glowing fireplace…family is the most precious gift. Family is priceless and the memories are
gold. I was in my teenage years when my
dad lost his business. He had terminal
cancer. So, my dad became the
maintenance manager at our campground.
That year we (me, my brother, mom, dad, and our little dog, Jacque
Cousteau) lived and resided in our fifth wheel.
We went from 1,300 square feet to 420.
Our small space brought us closer together as a family. Christmas came upon a snowy day. The snow perched on pine trees and my dad’s
Ford truck. We gathered around the
electric fireplace in the camper. Even
though, we lived studio living, it did have its modest luxuries. We all took turns opening presents. 1…2…3.
It didn’t take long to unwrap the few gifts we received. I knew that year my dad took a big cut in pay. He didn’t own his own business anymore
because of his health. I knew my dad
could pass away in a couple of years. Our
presents didn’t include electronics or shiny things. They were paper bound. My brother received a blue bible to study, and
we gave my dad a humble hymnal. Togetherness
and love covered us that Christmas day like a snow blanket. We learned from “out-giving” or lack luster
Christmases, that the love of your family is the dearest gift.
So, whoever specified in the Facebook post, “Don’t tell your
child that expensive gifts are from Santa”, I think you should re-evaluate your
share. Parents shouldn’t be told what to
say to their child. Parents shouldn’t be
told what to do with their child. Everyone
is going through different financial circumstances, and they shouldn’t be
faulted for that. All parents have
different backgrounds and childhoods, and they also shouldn’t be faulted for
that. Children will learn and grow from
all the life experiences they go through, even living in a fifth wheel. They will learn love, patience, and wisdom
with money if the parent sets a good example.
This Christmas buy a lot or buy a little for your littles, that’s your prerogative.
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