It’s Christmas Time Again!
But then the Christmas commercials started. Not in December, not in late November, but back in October or maybe even September. And that is when the chorus began. It didn’t matter what type of plastic crap was being advertised, they wanted it, they needed it, it was the best thing ever.
In keeping with my consumerism theme this week, I am posting a link to one of my favorite bloggers and writers, Annie Urban.
She makes an excellent effort to “quell” consumerism in her home with her own children. This, mind you, is no easy task and it is certainly made easier if you have all the family together in support…especially the grandparents, aunts and uncles and all who dote on your kids.
Since the birth of my granddaughter 4 years ago, I have been exposed to many children’s products. At first, they all seemed wonderful especially since many of them did not exist when my own girls were little.
So, it was easy for me to become a somewhat “crazy” consumer of baby, toddler and preschool stuff. Thank goodness for my daughter, the mother of my granddaughter because she knew exactly what was a worthwhile purchase and what was merely an accessory that would be used once if that and then find its way to our basement…never to be seen again.
The holidays are no different…there are so many toys and items that are advertised as necessities not just to children but to their parents and grandparents as well. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard a child say, “but I really have to have this, that is what it says on television”.
I find shopping for toys and other children’s stuff fun, especially at holiday time but I will try and defer to my daughter’s gift list and check with her before I go overboard on any “unnecessary” purchases.
This will not only help me stay away from the holiday frenzy but it will also keep the gifts more meaningful and useful. Sometimes, we opt for items that are not available at the Mall…like lessons…these are usually the best kind of gifts especially for now.
What do you do as parents and grandparents when it comes to holiday gift giving to your kids and grandkids?
How do you choose what is a good and useful gift without becoming a crazy consumer at this time of year?
I would be interested to hear different ways to deal with the holidays and gift giving when it comes to the children in your lives. Some of it could even be useful when it comes to birthdays and other gift giving occasions.
Happy Shopping!