I've seen it all over online, videos of kids getting gifts and then having a royal fit because it isn't what they want, they don't think clothes, books or such is a real gift and tons more. Like complaining that the car you just got sucks because you don't like the color. Like getting mad that you didn't get a top tech toy and a friend did. We are setting up the entitlement mentality that's such an issue in the world today.
I know that there are folks out there that still believe in the same traditions that were popular when I was a kid...several decades ago.
I was taught that any gift was something to be thankful for and that giving a gift meant so much more.
So I'm giving thanks to those I have around me at home. I'm thankful that we're still in our house, the utility bills are paid till the end of this year. That we have food in the house, enough to last as long as we ration it out wisely. That aside from allergies or tummy, head and body aches, we're in fair health for now. (Not counting pre-existing conditions) That so far the heaters, blankets, sweatshirts, gloves, socks and hats are keeping us all warm inside, during this cold snap we're going through. I'm thankful for the simple fact that each morning that I wake up, I wake up. It gives me another day to be grateful for all that I do have right now. It also gives me another chance to keep things going, so that we can keep all these things we have right now.
My daughter has hinted that she'd like an MP3 player, but I've also over heard her telling her siblings that as long as the utilities are paid, the mortgage is paid and we're all okay...it will be an okay holiday. My older son agreed and stated that all he wanted was a job so that he could help out.
The youngest one said he wanted Noble, the sugar fairy from the Thumbelina video. Trouble is there is no such toy or figure that I can find anywhere. He got the video for his birthday in Nov. and has watched it dozens of times already. He has really become charmed by that little fairy. The only thing else he's wanted is Thomas, the train engine play set - he's asked for it every year since he was 4yrs old. He'd gotten a big play set one year, his older brother got it for a little over $50 on sale. Unfortunately, it was stolen a few days later by a guy who was staying with my cousin.
My cousin was a truck driver back then and came to drop by for Christmas. He ran into a guy he knew some years back who asked if he could stay with him cause he lost his apt. He said that he could sleep in the bottom bunk of the cab. (my cousin slept on the top bunk) He ate with us for Christmas, we treated him well and he seemed to be nice, was pleasant enough. But two days after Christmas, he was gone. The train set was gone, a blender and a Mr Coffee was gone too. (Our tech is in our bedrooms, not easy to get at. Our t.v. is old, VHS was all we had back then, plus the only accessible rooms were the living room, kitchen and bathroom. All other doors were locked. I leave the front door open for my cousin when he's staying over so he can get to those rooms.)
Never saw that guy again. My cousin looked for him, but had no luck either. So it's been something that we've wanted to fix ever since. But those Thomas toys are very costly even when on sale. It's not possible to do this yet. I'm hoping that maybe a Carebear will fill in for Noble. Maybe...lol
But as I've said before, I'm hoping that we all remember to be thankful and grateful for all those things that we DO have already. I also hope that those that are needing the very basic things will be able to find help to get them.
A very warm and loving Holiday to all of you and may it be a brighter and better New Year's ahead for us all.
