CHRISTMAS – HOW MUCH DO WE REALLY NEED?

Today after work I went for a walk with both my boys and during our conversation we talked about what they want for Christmas.   When the boys were young Christmas was easy – The Sears Wishbook came around in September and they would excitedly pick several things that Santa could bring.  Now at the age of 10 and 12 things are far more complicated, there are so many items out there I think their brains go into overload and they have no idea what they want.   Back to my question then – Christmas – How much do we really need?  When we got home from our walk, my ten-year old couldn’t decide what to write on his wish list so he went to the computer and looked up Walmart’s website to get ideas.  After going through the website he still couldn’t answer my question,  “What do you want for Christmas?”  I’m so tired of all the consumer mania of Christmas, the running around and standing in crowded stores trying to figure out what to buy.   I think it would be great if we didn’t buy any gifts.  We could just get up Christmas morning, all of us sit down to a nice breakfast, relax in the living room in front of the tree and just take our time, enjoy each other’s company and savour the moment!  I suggested this to the boys, because if they can’t decide what they want then they must not need anything, so we could have a giftless Christmas.  Both boys just stared at me and it didnt’ take long before they found items that they want for Christmas.  The thought of a giftless Christmas scared them into a wish list.  Another Christmas with gifts, however, we will also savour the moment and enjoy!