Have the Holidays Ruined Our Children?

                               

Growing up in a Christian family, I always looked forward to "religious" holidays. They were very special occasions. The holidays were times of reflection and thankfulness to God for his grace and mercy. The added bonuses were the egg hunts on Easter, the finger-lickin soul food on Thanksgiving and the gifts on Christmas. What kid didn't like those holidays? Back in the "good ole days" we actually celebrated for the holidays. We went to church to kick off the celebration and ended it with family time. There was no crying or whining on those days. They were good days! Everyone was in a good mood. And my parents made us fully aware of the "reason for the season". It was never about us, it was all about Him.

But I am afraid things have changed...drastically. Just the other day as I was running errands I heard women talking about all the gifts they had gotten their kids....for Easter. I double blinked and moved in closer. By the way these women were talking you would have thought it was Christmas! Their kids were getting more then what could fit in an Easter basket. I guess the basket has become more like the Christmas stocking these days. Ya fill those with candy and wrap the real gifts. 

I shook my head and moved on. Then I got to thinking. I made a mental list of every major holiday and it's theme. Hmmm. Easter is for bunnies and chocolate. Thanksgiving is for food and pie. Halloween is for candy and costumes. Christmas is for Santa Claus and presents- lots of presents. 

This all just sounds like a recipe for disaster. Children aren't participants in these special occasions- they're recipients! Throughout the year, parents complain how spoiled their children are- how entitled they act. Well that's true, but who in the world do you think enables them to act and feel that way. We do!

We have made every holiday into a day that is centered around the kids. It's all about what WE are giving them. We cater to this spirit of entitlement and aren't even aware of it. Big name companies make a killing off of candy and presents during the holidays all because we buy buy buy. We have taught our children that they are on the receiving end of the line- not the giving. They expect to get. Every time.  So why then, do we expect our children to behave like givers when we have conditioned them for receiving?

Now I'm not saying we should ban our children from getting things. But I am saying that we should tone it down. How about we pick a holiday a year where we give to others. Have your children donate at Christmas time or serve at a soup kitchen on Thanksgiving. 

We fail to show our children how to give. Our children need to know how to be a giver and receiver. That is balance. We spend the year working our butts off to spend every penny on our children- and rightfully so! But there comes a time that we must teach our children to give and to sow into the life of others. Teach your children the value of hard work and the value of a dollar. Then have them put it to action. 

I have heard many parents say they just want their children to have the things they never had. That is great, but don't forget to give them what you did have! Hard work, patience and a giving spirit. 

Join the pledge to make 2015 a year of giving for your family!

Comment below to share how you will help your children practice giving this year. Happy Giving!