When I was A kid back home I used to see some Santa pictures on the papers; but the real hero was " El Nino Dios", He was the one who put a present (usually a toy) underneath the pillow. I remember that it could be anything and We had a good time. Christmas then were more about the birth of Jesus and not about buying and giving presents. Those christmas were more meaningful than those that kids live here. I remember that at 12 a.m We huged everybody including people we didn't like, and fireworks were everywhere. I think the custom of showing presents is bad, both at Christmas and on birthdays cause people feel obligated to give more expensive staff, I hate when kids in my family do that, people who give less expensive presents feel bad when kids mention their names as they open their present.
Ugh, tell me about it. This makes giving a burden.
When I was A kid back home I used to see some Santa pictures on the papers; but the real hero was " El Nino Dios", He was the one who put a present (usually a toy) underneath the pillow. I remember that it could be anything and We had a good time. Christmas then were more about the birth of Jesus and not about buying and giving presents. Those christmas were more meaningful than those that kids live here. I remember that at 12 a.m We huged everybody including people we didn't like, and fireworks were everywhere.
I think the custom of showing presents is bad, both at Christmas and on birthdays cause people feel obligated to give more expensive staff, I hate when kids in my family do that, people who give less expensive presents feel bad when kids mention their names as they open their present.
I was thinking about HEil's reply in Genie's thread "Hey you guys": "Why do people just think on buying and give just during Christmas???? There shouldn't be a reason at all to give."
I too dislike many aspect of Christmas, especially this present-giving. It is a traditional pagan activity, now a capitalist carnival, to celebrate during the dark months of the winter to try and cheer everyone up. Get some bright lights up, cheer and have a song and pop a salsa cd in the boom box and dance. Why presents? They probably cause more stress than they are worth. Except to the person receiving them, of course. But I have to say, I wonder whether people's excitement is generated by the presents themselves or something else. Because there is genuine excitement.
For myself, there is nothing I want more than to spend some time with some of my family and friends. My family, not my inlaws.
Anyway, the issue is the comparison between rich and poor which is somehow emphasised by the difference in gifts. For those of you who have kids or know a little one, especially those in school, is this issue ever brought up by them?
Having more or better toys does not make for a better child. As long as they are getting the love at home the kids will be ok. People now a days have been over welming kids with toys, kids are loosing the meaning of getting toy. I think the less toys the kids have the better for them. They will learn to appriciate the little things in life and hopefully they wont be too materialistic.
Since Christmas is coming up, let's take a look at Santa. The fun story that he brings toys to good boys and girls seems harmless enough.
However, when I was used to teach in an elementary private school and the kids would bring their presents, it created a clear socioeconomic divide amongst my students. The wealthy children brought in their lovely new gifts - rewards for being "good". Meanwhile the children that weren't as fortunate had little or nothing to show - perhaps they had been naughty? Does this seemingly innocent tale reinforce socioeconomic prejudice and assault in the self esteem of poor children? Is there a way to present it that does not create this division? What do you think?
