Happy Hanukkah!
TAKING THE FOCUS OFF PRESENTS
“Diana knew gift giving had gotten completely out-of-control when her 12-year-old gave her a list of 20 items she wanted, complete with brand names and prices listed in descending $$ order. With a tight budget, she was worried about how disappointed her kids would be when they opened their gifts this year.”
Discussion:
This is a common dilemma for parents. They want their kids to be happy and to have a wonderful, fun holiday. Americans spent $460 billion in 2008 “buying” holiday happiness. Did it work? In the frenzy of gift opening, our children lose the simple and grateful experience of giving and receiving. Come January, many parents find the kids are not happier and are now discontent, longing for toys their friends got. Plus they may have gone into debt beyond their means. To top it off, parents may be passing on a spend-debt tradition to future generations.
If you are ready to start taking the focus off presents, here are some ideas to consider:
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If I knew then what I know now, I would have limited the volume and expense of presents when my kids were very young.
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With admiration for all you do,
Dr. Kathy
Kathy Masarie, MD
Pediatrician, Parent, and Life Coach
Author of Raising Our Daughters and Raising Our Sons
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