Comments on: Children, Christmas, and the Materialism Battle http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/01/10/children-christmas-and-the-materialism-battle/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:22:21 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: WoW Parent http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/01/10/children-christmas-and-the-materialism-battle/comment-page-2/#comment-482435 WoW Parent Sat, 17 Jan 2009 23:35:18 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3006#comment-482435 these days, kids don't just want material gifts. some kids even ask their parents for "virtual gifts" like Warcraft gold for Christmas present! these days, kids don’t just want material gifts. some kids even ask their parents for “virtual gifts” like Warcraft gold for Christmas present!

]]> By: The Other Michael http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/01/10/children-christmas-and-the-materialism-battle/comment-page-2/#comment-474562 The Other Michael Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:21:29 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3006#comment-474562 *I just bought something that made me ecstatic: new insoles for my shoes that are unbelievably comfortable. *The fleece robe I got for xmas makes me very happy because I don't have to be cold anymore on my way to the shower. Am I wrong to derive happiness from these material things? A game center of today will provide you kid with thousands of hours of social interaction that might otherwise be spent watching TV or doing god-knows-what-else. There are pointless trinkets that people buy, and then there are valuable tools. These should not all be lumped together under "consumer product". *I just bought something that made me ecstatic: new insoles for my shoes that are unbelievably comfortable.

*The fleece robe I got for xmas makes me very happy because I don’t have to be cold anymore on my way to the shower.

Am I wrong to derive happiness from these material things?

A game center of today will provide you kid with thousands of hours of social interaction that might otherwise be spent watching TV or doing god-knows-what-else.

There are pointless trinkets that people buy, and then there are valuable tools. These should not all be lumped together under “consumer product”.

]]> By: Noel http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/01/10/children-christmas-and-the-materialism-battle/comment-page-2/#comment-474409 Noel Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:54:15 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3006#comment-474409 My children do get a nice gift for Christmas. They think it is from Santa and they enjoy it and they anticipate it. I don't feel that it's a bad thing. They also get the majority of the clothing they'll wear this year, bath towels, and books. When they were small we bought them toys, now that they're bigger they get the electronic gadgets. This year the older ones got MP3 players and the baby got toys. When my husband or I want or need something we save our money and when we have enough we buy it. We have very little extra money so saving it takes a while. My children don't get an allowance except for in the summer, so they don't have that opportunity. We don't buy them toys and gadgets very often, especially the big things. We don't tie our love for them to the size of the gifts because they think that Santa buys them. My 8 year old told me this year that she knows there is a Santa because Mom and Dad could never have afforded to buy all of this. We don't do any credit cards all is cash. We save very hard all year to afford them this, and it lasts all year. Usually we do all of our shopping by the time the Santa list gets written, so we know what they will or will not get on the list. We encourage them to keep the list short, one or two things. We buy them what we think they will like, not necessarily what they want. This year we bought the MP3 players in June on sale. We talked them up all fall, and by Dec. it was all they could talk about. They were very happy with their gifts, even the bath towels and underwear. My kids have 3 sets of grandparents and a childless Aunt and Uncle who can and do buy them nice gifts. They have never lacked for toys, even though we can't afford to buy them all. They are lucky little girls and they know this. We talk often about "poor kids" and we give to them what we no longer use or have to many of. One year we got 18 babydolls for Christmas. Only 2 came from us, one for each daughter. We lined them up across the floor and each child picked two to keep, the rest went to Good Will (the poor kids who don't have toys). We also do the boxes for Operation Christmas Child. The girls choose gifts to put in the boxes and write a note also. They understand that there are others who don't have as much. They understand that they are blessed to have what they do. They also know other kids who have much more than they do. These are all facts of life. We have fun together playing games and such and enjoy each other's company. That's the most important thing. Everyone has wants and needs and everyone "gets things," even the most frugal among us. There is no reason why they should feel bad about themselves for wanting things. We're setting an example for them by not spending all the time. When they are older and find out that Mom and Dad really do buy all those gifts, we'll make sure that they understand that we save all year for them. It's a lesson to learn about saving to make something nice. Christmas is important in our family, right now they are on the receiving end, when they are older they'll realize what the giving end of Christmas is all about. Until then they have secret Santa shop at school to learn with. They each get $15.00 and a list of names to buy for. The gifts are $1.00 each. They buy gifts and wrap them. They enjoy so much the giving, they understand all of it, they just don't have the means to do it on the scale that the grown ups do. My children do get a nice gift for Christmas. They think it is from Santa and they enjoy it and they anticipate it. I don’t feel that it’s a bad thing. They also get the majority of the clothing they’ll wear this year, bath towels, and books. When they were small we bought them toys, now that they’re bigger they get the electronic gadgets. This year the older ones got MP3 players and the baby got toys. When my husband or I want or need something we save our money and when we have enough we buy it. We have very little extra money so saving it takes a while. My children don’t get an allowance except for in the summer, so they don’t have that opportunity. We don’t buy them toys and gadgets very often, especially the big things. We don’t tie our love for them to the size of the gifts because they think that Santa buys them. My 8 year old told me this year that she knows there is a Santa because Mom and Dad could never have afforded to buy all of this. We don’t do any credit cards all is cash. We save very hard all year to afford them this, and it lasts all year. Usually we do all of our shopping by the time the Santa list gets written, so we know what they will or will not get on the list. We encourage them to keep the list short, one or two things. We buy them what we think they will like, not necessarily what they want. This year we bought the MP3 players in June on sale. We talked them up all fall, and by Dec. it was all they could talk about. They were very happy with their gifts, even the bath towels and underwear. My kids have 3 sets of grandparents and a childless Aunt and Uncle who can and do buy them nice gifts. They have never lacked for toys, even though we can’t afford to buy them all. They are lucky little girls and they know this. We talk often about “poor kids” and we give to them what we no longer use or have to many of. One year we got 18 babydolls for Christmas. Only 2 came from us, one for each daughter. We lined them up across the floor and each child picked two to keep, the rest went to Good Will (the poor kids who don’t have toys). We also do the boxes for Operation Christmas Child. The girls choose gifts to put in the boxes and write a note also. They understand that there are others who don’t have as much. They understand that they are blessed to have what they do. They also know other kids who have much more than they do. These are all facts of life. We have fun together playing games and such and enjoy each other’s company. That’s the most important thing. Everyone has wants and needs and everyone “gets things,” even the most frugal among us. There is no reason why they should feel bad about themselves for wanting things. We’re setting an example for them by not spending all the time. When they are older and find out that Mom and Dad really do buy all those gifts, we’ll make sure that they understand that we save all year for them. It’s a lesson to learn about saving to make something nice. Christmas is important in our family, right now they are on the receiving end, when they are older they’ll realize what the giving end of Christmas is all about. Until then they have secret Santa shop at school to learn with. They each get $15.00 and a list of names to buy for. The gifts are $1.00 each. They buy gifts and wrap them. They enjoy so much the giving, they understand all of it, they just don’t have the means to do it on the scale that the grown ups do.

]]> By: rstlne http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/01/10/children-christmas-and-the-materialism-battle/comment-page-2/#comment-474293 rstlne Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:23:45 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3006#comment-474293 This is the kind of video that parents can save and use to embarrass their grown-up children 20 years later. This is the kind of video that parents can save and use to embarrass their grown-up children 20 years later.

]]> By: Misty http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/01/10/children-christmas-and-the-materialism-battle/comment-page-2/#comment-474183 Misty Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:16:11 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3006#comment-474183 My husband and I bought a Wii after playing one at a friends house. We thought about it for over a year and finally my husband bought it when I was at work. We have a 14 month old and we look forward to playing the Wii with him when he gets older. This does make me think of the gifts that I recieved when I was younger, especially in relation to one of my grandparents. My grandpa remarried when my mom was in her 20s to my grandma. My grandma was not the warmest person and there was definately a difference in how she treated her blood grandchilden and me although I was the only grandchild for about 10 years. She took me to Disney and bought me great gifts but the warmth wasn't there...As I got older I saw this and about a decade later am finally accepting it and moving on. I digress..so my gift from my parents was an American Doll (Samantha) when the company first began. My grandmother bought the majority of the clothing for her and later bought me another doll. I do remember being excited when I opened the package and saw the American Doll box inside. However, looking back, I think I would have rather had her spend time with me than the gifts. They are now in my parents attic waiting for a girl that I may someday have. My husband and I bought a Wii after playing one at a friends house. We thought about it for over a year and finally my husband bought it when I was at work. We have a 14 month old and we look forward to playing the Wii with him when he gets older.
This does make me think of the gifts that I recieved when I was younger, especially in relation to one of my grandparents. My grandpa remarried when my mom was in her 20s to my grandma. My grandma was not the warmest person and there was definately a difference in how she treated her blood grandchilden and me although I was the only grandchild for about 10 years. She took me to Disney and bought me great gifts but the warmth wasn’t there…As I got older I saw this and about a decade later am finally accepting it and moving on.
I digress..so my gift from my parents was an American Doll (Samantha) when the company first began. My grandmother bought the majority of the clothing for her and later bought me another doll. I do remember being excited when I opened the package and saw the American Doll box inside.
However, looking back, I think I would have rather had her spend time with me than the gifts. They are now in my parents attic waiting for a girl that I may someday have.

]]> By: Aaron Kulbe http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/01/10/children-christmas-and-the-materialism-battle/comment-page-2/#comment-474163 Aaron Kulbe Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:05:59 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3006#comment-474163 Trent, my Twitter reply was a bit sarcastic... @trenttsd Must train up the future generation of materialists, you know. The Wii.... the greatest thing since sliced bread. (BARF). But I'm more and more convinced that it is accurate. Michael Mihalik, who you have mentioned before - would call this all part of the "Great Marketing Machine". I want to enjoy Christmas, but my first response is to recoil because of all the marketing hype. This video just furthers those feelings. However, as I get older, I realize that holidays are more and more important to me. Not because of the material things, but because of the opportunity I get to spend the time with the family and friends that are precious to me. Does that sound silly? Trent, my Twitter reply was a bit sarcastic…

@trenttsd Must train up the future generation of materialists, you know. The Wii…. the greatest thing since sliced bread. (BARF).

But I’m more and more convinced that it is accurate. Michael Mihalik, who you have mentioned before – would call this all part of the “Great Marketing Machine”.

I want to enjoy Christmas, but my first response is to recoil because of all the marketing hype. This video just furthers those feelings.

However, as I get older, I realize that holidays are more and more important to me. Not because of the material things, but because of the opportunity I get to spend the time with the family and friends that are precious to me.

Does that sound silly?

]]> By: J http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/01/10/children-christmas-and-the-materialism-battle/comment-page-2/#comment-473965 J Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:20:01 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3006#comment-473965 My God is the grinch and Scrooge are out this morning. How many people on this list also enjoyed "A Christmas Story" this holiday season, where little Ralphie wanted his Red Ryder BB gun? I'm 34 and reacted like this when I was finally able to order my Wii after not only saving up for it for six months, but then actually being able to find one when one was in stock. I didn't pay for it on a credit card or go into debt for it. Assuming how any one of the parents got the money is just that -- an assumption. As Mizzle notes, the Wii does have a tremendous amount of positives. At $249, it's reasonably priced relative to other consoles. The gameplay is fabulous, and I've seen everyone from a 3 year old to a 60 year old enjoy the games. Also, there are many, many kid-friendly titles out there, plus titles adults can enjoy, too. XBox is going after the older gamers, and I'm not really sure who the PS3 is going after, but the Wii is a huge success because it actually concentrates on innovation in game play and dynamics, it's not about pushing more pixels and making yet another FPS you control with controller which has changed little since the PlayStation. Also, keep in mind the Wii has been difficult to come by for going on three years now, it's quite a phenomenon. Some of these kids might have quite literally been waiting 2-3 years for this gift, and been playing it at friend's houses. I remember when I was a kid, waiting 4-6 weeks seemed like torture. And as for deriving joy from a consumer product, why don't people concentrate on playing games with their kid? I play Wii with my daughter from time to time. We don't do it all the time, but we do it together. and @Ranga, read up on Santa. The point is that kids think Santa came to the house. Also these are small clips, who knows if they said thank you or not? My God is the grinch and Scrooge are out this morning. How many people on this list also enjoyed “A Christmas Story” this holiday season, where little Ralphie wanted his Red Ryder BB gun? I’m 34 and reacted like this when I was finally able to order my Wii after not only saving up for it for six months, but then actually being able to find one when one was in stock. I didn’t pay for it on a credit card or go into debt for it. Assuming how any one of the parents got the money is just that — an assumption.

As Mizzle notes, the Wii does have a tremendous amount of positives. At $249, it’s reasonably priced relative to other consoles. The gameplay is fabulous, and I’ve seen everyone from a 3 year old to a 60 year old enjoy the games. Also, there are many, many kid-friendly titles out there, plus titles adults can enjoy, too. XBox is going after the older gamers, and I’m not really sure who the PS3 is going after, but the Wii is a huge success because it actually concentrates on innovation in game play and dynamics, it’s not about pushing more pixels and making yet another FPS you control with controller which has changed little since the PlayStation.

Also, keep in mind the Wii has been difficult to come by for going on three years now, it’s quite a phenomenon. Some of these kids might have quite literally been waiting 2-3 years for this gift, and been playing it at friend’s houses. I remember when I was a kid, waiting 4-6 weeks seemed like torture.

And as for deriving joy from a consumer product, why don’t people concentrate on playing games with their kid? I play Wii with my daughter from time to time. We don’t do it all the time, but we do it together.

and @Ranga, read up on Santa. The point is that kids think Santa came to the house. Also these are small clips, who knows if they said thank you or not?

]]> By: Mizzle http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/01/10/children-christmas-and-the-materialism-battle/comment-page-2/#comment-473855 Mizzle Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:29:45 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3006#comment-473855 What's so very *wrong* about deriving happiness from consumer goods? I agree that it would be awful if the only thing that could make a person happy was stuff you could buy, but there's no reason to believe that that's the case here... I have a Wii and I enjoy it tremendously. Friends and family have a Mii on my Wii and my mother-in-law asks me to bring the 'mobile bowling alley'. It's in the top three of things (both expensive and not) that I own that bring me happiness. I guess the danger of stuff actually making you happy is that you'll start thinking you *need* stuff to make you happy, which would be wrong, but that doesn't mean the happy-making stuff is wrong... Would it be better if the kids weren't this happy? - You'd have spent the same amount of money but received less for it... Is it wrong to spend this much money? (Actually - it's cheaper than other consoles and more versatile in its appeal, and it's something you can enjoy for a *long* time.) - I thought frugality was all about spending money *wisely* or not at all. I think the Wii is a *great* product and it's worth its price, more than anything else I can think of. I wish people would stop being so negative about the Wii. There's plenty of non-violent games and Wii Sports encourages people to get off the couch. (It doesn't count as exercise, but does burn significantly more calories than 'normal' video games.) It's just never good enough... *not affiliated to Nintendo, just very happy with my Wii* What’s so very *wrong* about deriving happiness from consumer goods?

I agree that it would be awful if the only thing that could make a person happy was stuff you could buy, but there’s no reason to believe that that’s the case here…

I have a Wii and I enjoy it tremendously. Friends and family have a Mii on my Wii and my mother-in-law asks me to bring the ‘mobile bowling alley’. It’s in the top three of things (both expensive and not) that I own that bring me happiness.

I guess the danger of stuff actually making you happy is that you’ll start thinking you *need* stuff to make you happy, which would be wrong, but that doesn’t mean the happy-making stuff is wrong…

Would it be better if the kids weren’t this happy? – You’d have spent the same amount of money but received less for it…

Is it wrong to spend this much money? (Actually – it’s cheaper than other consoles and more versatile in its appeal, and it’s something you can enjoy for a *long* time.) – I thought frugality was all about spending money *wisely* or not at all. I think the Wii is a *great* product and it’s worth its price, more than anything else I can think of.

I wish people would stop being so negative about the Wii. There’s plenty of non-violent games and Wii Sports encourages people to get off the couch. (It doesn’t count as exercise, but does burn significantly more calories than ‘normal’ video games.) It’s just never good enough…

*not affiliated to Nintendo, just very happy with my Wii*

]]> By: Jillian http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/01/10/children-christmas-and-the-materialism-battle/comment-page-2/#comment-472912 Jillian Sun, 11 Jan 2009 22:07:34 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3006#comment-472912 Karen says: "I think the Grinch wrote this article and most of the responses. Can money not be a concern for one day of the year?!?!?" I'd agree, if it were only for one day. Yes, it's important to make Christmas exciting for kids, and spoil them a little bit with stuff they wouldn't normally get - but for a lot of people that 'one day' is still sitting on their credit card bill months later, and is very definitely a concern. Karen says: “I think the Grinch wrote this article and most of the responses. Can money not be a concern for one day of the year?!?!?”
I’d agree, if it were only for one day. Yes, it’s important to make Christmas exciting for kids, and spoil them a little bit with stuff they wouldn’t normally get – but for a lot of people that ‘one day’ is still sitting on their credit card bill months later, and is very definitely a concern.

]]> By: SS http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/01/10/children-christmas-and-the-materialism-battle/comment-page-2/#comment-472665 SS Sun, 11 Jan 2009 18:30:56 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3006#comment-472665 Hi Trent, My uncle usually was very into giving gifts, money on Christmas. My parents could not afford it. My Uncle said Christmas is for kids. I whole heartedly agree. I was by all means not spoiled. Just on Christmas!!!!! We would open our presents aat midnight!!!! I have tried to give my daughter what I could. She is not spoiled. Most kids want things like their friends. It is normal. But I want to share something important!!!! I take my daughter to church. She has helped feed the old who cant get out. I have tried to teach her that God fills you spirtually. Spending time with her is the most important. Showing I care. Doing things for her. This is important. Some of her friends are well to do and some not. Her boyfriend is very relaxed. She is usually very critical of her appearance. But, now she knows how to just relax and be in her pajamas. So. I truly believe though that God fills you up not materialistic items. I can always learn also from this too. Hi Trent,
My uncle usually was very into giving gifts, money
on Christmas. My parents could not afford it. My
Uncle said Christmas is for kids. I whole heartedly agree. I was by all means not spoiled.
Just on Christmas!!!!! We would open our presents aat midnight!!!! I have tried to give my daughter
what I could. She is not spoiled. Most kids want
things like their friends. It is normal. But I want to share something important!!!! I take my
daughter to church. She has helped feed the old who cant get out. I have tried to teach her that
God fills you spirtually. Spending time with her
is the most important. Showing I care. Doing things for her. This is important. Some of her
friends are well to do and some not. Her boyfriend
is very relaxed. She is usually very critical of her appearance. But, now she knows how to just relax and be in her pajamas. So. I truly believe
though that God fills you up not materialistic items. I can always learn also from this too.

]]> By: JanB http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/01/10/children-christmas-and-the-materialism-battle/comment-page-2/#comment-472580 JanB Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:31:17 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3006#comment-472580 Great post!! This year our kids were not allowed to ask for anything. They would love a Wii, but we have talked together about the expense and they understand why we don't get one (actually they think the cost is outrageous to if you include game cost). We also don't have any other video games (handheld included) or cable or satellite. The truth is we don't have time for any of that stuff. We homeschool and do stuff as a family all the time. We talk all the time about how stuff does not make you happy and they understand. We talk about how blessed we are to have each other and that some children don't have families. They get it. They still get plenty for Christmas (to much). I can't seem to get the grandparents under control. Great post!! This year our kids were not allowed to ask for anything. They would love a Wii, but we have talked together about the expense and they understand why we don’t get one (actually they think the cost is outrageous to if you include game cost). We also don’t have any other video games (handheld included) or cable or satellite. The truth is we don’t have time for any of that stuff. We homeschool and do stuff as a family all the time. We talk all the time about how stuff does not make you happy and they understand. We talk about how blessed we are to have each other and that some children don’t have families. They get it. They still get plenty for Christmas (to much). I can’t seem to get the grandparents under control.

]]> By: Karen http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/01/10/children-christmas-and-the-materialism-battle/comment-page-2/#comment-472569 Karen Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:18:42 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3006#comment-472569 I think the Grinch wrote this article and most of the responses. Can money not be a concern for one day of the year?!?!? I think the Grinch wrote this article and most of the responses. Can money not be a concern for one day of the year?!?!?

]]> By: DrFunZ http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/01/10/children-christmas-and-the-materialism-battle/comment-page-2/#comment-472489 DrFunZ Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:23:44 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3006#comment-472489 It is degree of emotion that is displayed here that disturbs me. Most children here are not exhibiting ordinary "glee"; it is borderline hysteria which is out-of-line with receiving a Christmas gift. As an only child, I had to wait for everything that was "in" or cool until after most of the world got it! My folks didn't want me to think that just because I was an only child and they had the money, that I could have everything I wanted it, when I wanted it. So, when I still believed in Santa, I received one fairly important gift (Easy Bake Oven, a bicycle) and a few small gifts - and frankly, I was thrilled. The stocking held the best cheap fun stuff ever; my mother must have shopped all year to find the most unique and zaniest things! In regard to the "Igottahaveittoy", I never got it at Christmas from either Santa or my parents. It either came as a "family" purchase at some odd time of the year (the Wii would have fallen under that category), or as a birthday present at least six months after the Holiday fervor or just as a surprise for doing something extraordinary. Being a good kid and getting good grades were simply expected - there were no rewards for those things. But if I helped my deaf neighbor or gave my old toys to the poor or I did a special project at church, then I often got a reward - a toy, dinner out or a beautiful letter from my parents telling me how proud they were. I never hated my parents for their practices. I even understood them as I grew older. They loved me unconditionally. They wanted me to be successful in the world as a generous, self-less person. I was their whole world and I knew it; no gift could ever surpass that. It is degree of emotion that is displayed here that disturbs me. Most children here are not exhibiting ordinary “glee”; it is borderline hysteria which is out-of-line with receiving a Christmas gift.

As an only child, I had to wait for everything that was “in” or cool until after most of the world got it! My folks didn’t want me to think that just because I was an only child and they had the money, that I could have everything I wanted it, when I wanted it. So, when I still believed in Santa, I received one fairly important gift (Easy Bake Oven, a bicycle) and a few small gifts – and frankly, I was thrilled. The stocking held the best cheap fun stuff ever; my mother must have shopped all year to find the most unique and zaniest things!

In regard to the “Igottahaveittoy”, I never got it at Christmas from either Santa or my parents. It either came as a “family” purchase at some odd time of the year (the Wii would have fallen under that category), or as a birthday present at least six months after the Holiday fervor or just as a surprise for doing something extraordinary. Being a good kid and getting good grades were simply expected – there were no rewards for those things. But if I helped my deaf neighbor or gave my old toys to the poor or I did a special project at church, then I often got a reward – a toy, dinner out or a beautiful letter from my parents telling me how proud they were.

I never hated my parents for their practices. I even understood them as I grew older. They loved me unconditionally. They wanted me to be successful in the world as a generous, self-less person. I was their whole world and I knew it; no gift could ever surpass that.

]]> By: brooke http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/01/10/children-christmas-and-the-materialism-battle/comment-page-2/#comment-472334 brooke Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:23:43 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3006#comment-472334 I love this post. I sent it to my mom and sister. I am with you Trent, there is a way to instill in children long term happiness, and I think you are right on target for that- paying attention to your kids, spending time with them, and giving them a stable environment will make a secure, confident, happy adult some day. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I love this post. I sent it to my mom and sister. I am with you Trent, there is a way to instill in children long term happiness, and I think you are right on target for that- paying attention to your kids, spending time with them, and giving them a stable environment will make a secure, confident, happy adult some day. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

]]> By: jan http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/01/10/children-christmas-and-the-materialism-battle/comment-page-2/#comment-472317 jan Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:36:59 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3006#comment-472317 I must be old! My best gift memory was a small blue cardboard drawer box (my Dad had them in his office for small storage) filled with wondeful 'stuff' such as tape, stapler and staples, scissors, index cards, pens and pencils. I loved it. I didn't have borrow any more. I was 13 years old and it was 1956. I must be old! My best gift memory was a small blue cardboard drawer box (my Dad had them in his office for small storage) filled with wondeful ’stuff’ such as tape, stapler and staples, scissors, index cards, pens and pencils. I loved it. I didn’t have borrow any more. I was 13 years old and it was 1956.

]]> By: Maha http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/01/10/children-christmas-and-the-materialism-battle/comment-page-2/#comment-472185 Maha Sun, 11 Jan 2009 10:53:54 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3006#comment-472185 This article and comments disturbed me more than the video. Look, it's Christmas. It's once a year. Kids are going to be excited, why rob them of the excitement that comes from getting something they actually, heaven forbide, want? In all of the preachings about giving instead of receiving, how are kids supposed to understand the joy of giving if they don't experience the joy of receiving? You can't always explain that giving something will make another person feel good unless they have experienced the feeling and know what it's like. Then they'll understand (with your help) why it's good to give that feeling to others. Note: I'm talking about the feeling. A lot of what I've read here about consumerism is your [adult] fear of how it's going to corrupt your children. You're imposing your fears onto your children. Although my kids are beginning to understand cost differences in items, they couldn't care less if something costs $5 or $50. It's the parents that care, and it's the parents putting the emphasis on price. So if your child asks for something that costs $5 and really, really wants it and is just as excited as these kids in the video to receive it, are you going to feel guilty for buying into consumerism? Probably not. We can afford to give our kids a lot of stuff at Christmas, but we balance it. This year it was a mix of toys, clothes and crafts. During the year I'll catch my kids being very generous (which always warms my heart), but I've also seen them being very selfish. They're kids. This is how they learn. Take these opportunities to praise their behavior or correct. But for goodness sakes, don't take your consumerism fears out on your kids and deny them the joy of receiving something they'd been hoping for. This article and comments disturbed me more than the video. Look, it’s Christmas. It’s once a year. Kids are going to be excited, why rob them of the excitement that comes from getting something they actually, heaven forbide, want? In all of the preachings about giving instead of receiving, how are kids supposed to understand the joy of giving if they don’t experience the joy of receiving? You can’t always explain that giving something will make another person feel good unless they have experienced the feeling and know what it’s like. Then they’ll understand (with your help) why it’s good to give that feeling to others. Note: I’m talking about the feeling. A lot of what I’ve read here about consumerism is your [adult] fear of how it’s going to corrupt your children. You’re imposing your fears onto your children. Although my kids are beginning to understand cost differences in items, they couldn’t care less if something costs $5 or $50. It’s the parents that care, and it’s the parents putting the emphasis on price. So if your child asks for something that costs $5 and really, really wants it and is just as excited as these kids in the video to receive it, are you going to feel guilty for buying into consumerism? Probably not. We can afford to give our kids a lot of stuff at Christmas, but we balance it. This year it was a mix of toys, clothes and crafts. During the year I’ll catch my kids being very generous (which always warms my heart), but I’ve also seen them being very selfish. They’re kids. This is how they learn. Take these opportunities to praise their behavior or correct. But for goodness sakes, don’t take your consumerism fears out on your kids and deny them the joy of receiving something they’d been hoping for.

]]> By: Joan http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/01/10/children-christmas-and-the-materialism-battle/comment-page-2/#comment-472145 Joan Sun, 11 Jan 2009 09:56:47 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3006#comment-472145 My granddaughter (8 years old) gets loads of gifts from her parents for Christmas and her birthday. This year she had a really long list and the only reasonable priced item on it was webkins. She received four of the webkins, this gave her a total of eight webkins. On December 30th she was at my house and she told me she was BORED and NEEDED to go to the mall. When I asked why she needed to go to the mall, she repeated that she was bored and that she needed more webkins. My other grandchildren got fewer items from their parents and were never bored. Need I say more? Oh yes, she also got new games for her WII, new games and DVD's for her computer, etc. Her parents can't understand why she isn't grateful for what she receives. My granddaughter (8 years old) gets loads of gifts from her parents for Christmas and her birthday. This year she had a really long list and the only reasonable priced item on it was webkins. She received four of the webkins, this gave her a total of eight webkins. On December 30th she was at my house and she told me she was BORED and NEEDED to go to the mall. When I asked why she needed to go to the mall, she repeated that she was bored and that she needed more webkins. My other grandchildren got fewer items from their parents and were never bored. Need I say more? Oh yes, she also got new games for her WII, new games and DVD’s for her computer, etc. Her parents can’t understand why she isn’t grateful for what she receives.

]]> By: kim http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/01/10/children-christmas-and-the-materialism-battle/comment-page-2/#comment-472134 kim Sun, 11 Jan 2009 09:26:04 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3006#comment-472134 well, my favorite christmas memories center around receiving my judy bolton (akin to nancy drew) books - i was an avid reader and mystery lover in grade school (still am!) we had many "non-family" gifts (non-relatives but close and also parishioners and for lack of a better word, vendors [funeral home directors, etc.] who normally sent us things). several days before christmas, she would let each one of the three of us siblings choose a "non-family" gift to open. kinda helped us kids chill out before the holiday; head start on appreciation and thank you notes. big/expensive gifts wasn't the attraction; it was family, sharing, love, joy. prob'ly the most extravagant gift ever was the set of children's skis my dad got from a neighbor for my brother (about $20). dad hid them under david's bed 3 months before christmas (in our family, his room was officially known as a national disaster area!) and then on christmas, he got a little box to open with a clue that led to a treasure hunt to find the skis under his bed! anyway, even to this day, we don't do big huge expensive things for any gifts. we love to give. this year the budget has been tight all round. the married kids were happy with the ikea dresser we gave them. #2 got a gift card to best buy from grandma and grandpa. we gave him a cell phone (so he can job search! etc. it was good. we were happy, content, glad to be together. well, my favorite christmas memories center around receiving my judy bolton (akin to nancy drew) books – i was an avid reader and mystery lover in grade school (still am!)

we had many “non-family” gifts (non-relatives but close and also parishioners and for lack of a better word, vendors [funeral home directors, etc.] who normally sent us things). several days before christmas, she would let each one of the three of us siblings choose a “non-family” gift to open. kinda helped us kids chill out before the holiday; head start on appreciation and thank you notes.

big/expensive gifts wasn’t the attraction; it was family, sharing, love, joy. prob’ly the most extravagant gift ever was the set of children’s skis my dad got from a neighbor for my brother (about $20). dad hid them under david’s bed 3 months before christmas (in our family, his room was officially known as a national disaster area!) and then on christmas, he got a little box to open with a clue that led to a treasure hunt to find the skis under his bed!

anyway, even to this day, we don’t do big huge expensive things for any gifts. we love to give. this year the budget has been tight all round. the married kids were happy with the ikea dresser we gave them. #2 got a gift card to best buy from grandma and grandpa. we gave him a cell phone (so he can job search! etc. it was good. we were happy, content, glad to be together.

]]> By: Jason http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/01/10/children-christmas-and-the-materialism-battle/comment-page-2/#comment-472036 Jason Sun, 11 Jan 2009 07:52:21 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3006#comment-472036 It really is amazing the power that consumerism and advertising has on people, and marketers know that this starts at a very young age, so hence, they target their advertisements accordingly. Brand recognition can be instilled in the subconscious by creating associations that bring about feelings of contentment, joy, importance, etc. It could be viewed through the psychological concept of classical conditioning. A good example would be the McDonald's jingle that is played on every single one of their commercials. Before marketing creation: just a tune of random musical notes. After intense marketing for years: probably just about anyone who hears it will at least recognize it immediately as the McDonald's jingle, and many may think of food and tasty french fries, and may make a stop on their way home to pick up some. This mostly could have only been brought about through successful marketing. Same goes for just about any product heavily advertised - especially the latest trends and hot products that are so much in demand around the holidays. It really is amazing the power that consumerism and advertising has on people, and marketers know that this starts at a very young age, so hence, they target their advertisements accordingly.

Brand recognition can be instilled in the subconscious by creating associations that bring about feelings of contentment, joy, importance, etc. It could be viewed through the psychological concept of classical conditioning. A good example would be the McDonald’s jingle that is played on every single one of their commercials. Before marketing creation: just a tune of random musical notes. After intense marketing for years: probably just about anyone who hears it will at least recognize it immediately as the McDonald’s jingle, and many may think of food and tasty french fries, and may make a stop on their way home to pick up some. This mostly could have only been brought about through successful marketing. Same goes for just about any product heavily advertised – especially the latest trends and hot products that are so much in demand around the holidays.

]]> By: Jules http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/01/10/children-christmas-and-the-materialism-battle/comment-page-2/#comment-472023 Jules Sun, 11 Jan 2009 07:47:24 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3006#comment-472023 I think you're being a little ridiculous. 1) It's Christmas. Kids are excited. They'll go "Squee!" over almost anything, and if there happens to be a Wii under the tree that they really really wanted since its inception, well, is it so bad a thing to be happy that they got it? 2) As for materialism and the supposed "lesson" that good feelings come from things: I think that, as long as you're modeling generally gracious and appropriate behavior, your kids will turn out all right, even if they do get a slight touch of the Gimmes around the holidays. I think you’re being a little ridiculous.

1) It’s Christmas. Kids are excited. They’ll go “Squee!” over almost anything, and if there happens to be a Wii under the tree that they really really wanted since its inception, well, is it so bad a thing to be happy that they got it?

2) As for materialism and the supposed “lesson” that good feelings come from things: I think that, as long as you’re modeling generally gracious and appropriate behavior, your kids will turn out all right, even if they do get a slight touch of the Gimmes around the holidays.

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