Hello ,
"What else?"
"That's it? There's nothing else for me?" "This is the worst Christmas ever! I barely got anything that I wanted!"
If you've ever been the sad recipient of this kind of insipid negativity on Christmas morning, (or watched it happen,) you know exactly what I am talking about. I've witnessed ungrateful,
selfish children who get negatively worked up while opening gifts, and it wouldn't be a stretch to say that society doesn't need any more of this kind of behavior fostered or tolerated in our homes.
It's difficult enough to watch other people's children display this type of repulsive behavior, but if our own children participate in
it, it can be a sure sign that the appropriate action is in order. If we claim Christianity, and this season becomes anything but a focus on Jesus Christ, helping others, and family togetherness, perhaps some rational reflection is needful.
Here's a list of possible responses to this type of rude behavior. Every response may not
be appropriate for every situation, but a serious consideration of them (with modifications that work in our own environment,) may be in order to put a stop to the selfishness.
1. Take the gift back, and use the proceeds to do something useful. Take the child with you through every step of the journey in returning the gift,
receiving the money, and taking it to someone who actually needs it. They have the opportunity during this exercise to re-assess the value of gifts, selfishness, and what real "need" is all about.
2. Sit the child down and actually read the story of Christ's birth, and explain the rudeness of bad behavior when we get negative
about receiving gifts. Show them through example that the holiday season is much more about celebrating Jesus than in getting stuff that we want.
3. Re-assess how you will do Christmas next year and stick to it. Society has fed us a HUGE lie about the holiday season, and many Christians have swallowed it hook, line,
and sinker. Our media saturated culture tells our kids that the more they receive, the happier they become. We reinforce that idea by allowing this kind of mindset to continue in our living rooms. Don't be afraid to scale down, and let your children know why you're doing it. If you do it in a loving, Christ-like way, they will grow spiritually because of your firm response.
4. Actually plan a "serving" activity for Christmas day that your family can participate in. In our last place of residence, our family teamed up with a local friend and delivered hot meals to those who were celebrating Christmas alone, or couldn't provide it for themselves. We were more blessed than those we delivered to. It was THAT enjoyable! It doesn't matter what community you live in, there is someone
who needs the love of a Christian neighbor.
5. Choose a special project that you will use some of your gift money on, and explain it to your kids. I once read about a father who put envelopes on the tree for each of his children. A note was enclosed in each, explaining how much he loved his kids, and how he was spending
some of the money that he would have purchased their gifts with on a truly needy cause. He told the story of the recipient, and why he was so thankful to be able to bestow an act of kindness on behalf of each family member. The touching and heart-felt note was looked forward to every year.
6. Decide on a "family
kindness" that your family can pool some of their gift-giving money towards. Together, you can give a large gift to a needy person, or group with the money that you've pooled together. It's fun, it's educational, and it can help our families become more self-less.
If the Bible is correct; that it is more blessed to give than to
receive, we have the responsibility as Christians to help our families understand this beautiful truth. It's the right thing to do.
May your holiday be filled with happiness, family togetherness, and a genuine understanding of why Christ came.
Have a great day and God bless!
