A few weeks ago, just as the holidays started my 3 year old said after watching a Christmas themed commercial “mummy I want to go to Christmas” I remember smiling just because it was so cute; what he said. I smiled at him and said “don’t worry baby Christmas is coming here”, “ok” he replied seeming quite content with my answer. I wondered what Christmas meant to him and as the days passed by it was obvious that he had started making the connection, Christmas = presents, after all everyone keeps asking “what do you want from Santa?” Of course I start to worry about how my son thinks of the holidays, I want him to understand that this is the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus, The Son of God.
All this got me thinking, what does Christmas really mean these days? It is the day Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus and it is also the day of giving gift; the grand commercialization of Christmas. So many parents running from pillar to post trying to check off as much as possible from their children’s list to Santa, turning on the extended line of credit if need be; it seems to be the norm. I actually talked to one parent who sees no other way out. I don’t know about that, my oldest is only 3 and all he wanted was ‘present’, so maybe when ‘present’ turn to Nintendo DX or Air Jordans limited edition I’ll change my tune. But for now, I think it is absolutely ludicrous that children today are raised with such a sense of entitlement that parents see not being able to provide these gifts at Christmas as a sign of their inability to be a good parent. What is the worst that would happen to a kid who doesn’t get all they want, I can imagine they will survive; I did! What ever happened to living within ones means? I strongly believe that kids should get gifts for Christmas; you can teach the spirit of giving and sharing which is part of the season’s message. However Parents shouldn’t be breaking the bank to get the gifts, teach from a tender age that giving what you can is always enough and kids will grow up knowing that in whatever they have their parents have done their best. If you decide to keep up with the Jones’ then don’t be mad when the mini-you you have raised always expects and demands more.
I hope you had a Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for The New Year`
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I am a Nigerian woman, like so many living away from home in a world that sometimes conflicts with what feels natural to us. We are constantly saying "we no dey do like so" I wonder how we can blend the best of both worlds, our heritage and culture with the ideals of the west to make the best choices for ourselves and our children.
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definitely on some level we have all lost sight of the real meaning of Xmas. particularly when parents act as if their kids must have every single new toy. But, Xmas is still a wonderful time to show the ones you love how you feel. That is whats most importnat, right?
ReplyDeleteHope all is well with you and yours.
Take care.