Well, Christmas is nearly upon us and for me at least, it feels like ole saint Nick has accidentally come a few weeks in advance. But this is the season that is so often dominated by two mentalities: one of giving/receiving and one just of love/caring/compassion.
Love/Care/Compassion:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/barackobama/2460299/Barack-Obama-does-not-give-birthday-presents-to-children.html
Although this is most likely a political move, albeit a smart one, it might be the type of thing that most of us are forgetting. Obama does not buy his children presents (i think this might really turn his kids against him...and since they're hosting sleepovers, things might turn into a complete revolt...with a throng of little, angry, presentless children). Anyhoo, we are so concentrated on making people happy with a gift that we forget WE are the things that are supposed to make them happy...not the new toaster. So what can we do during this holiday season that shows kindness/compassion and love for another person (parents, friends, siblings) that inspire them beyond the disappointment of not getting a gift? If you have a good idea on this...completely ignore the next paragraph =P.
Giving and Receiving:
Many times the holiday season turns into a splurge of shopping for others and oneself. Even those concentrated on giving are often concentrating on giving gifts! Unfortunately, this is the reality of our world though. So, in order to help a few of us out here who have younger, older, ancient siblings (gosh somebody older than john seo...impossible) I wish to make a list that you often see online but is never good and certainly not Asian-appropriate. How many Asian fathers really want that grill-marinating kit as bad as his neighbor? Anyhoo, my problem is a teenage sister (12) who doesn't seem to want anything that doesn't involve high price-tags and dead animals (i'm not talking about beef). Help please! (not just for my sister...but for the general sister, brother, mother...just seeds for present ideas) I will also help anybody who has a teenage brother :). At that age, they love books....yup books and nightstands to put the books on.
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3 comments:
I'm not exactly sure what the cure for materialism is. But I'm pretty sure I know what the cause is. Every program on TV prominently features the lifestyles and products of the rich and glamorous, and it can have a pretty demoralizing effect on the little girl from the Midwest. It slowly morphs into a feeling of inadequacy, a feeling only satiated by the most expensive clothes and shoes. Maybe you should ask your parents to just turn off the TV. Barack Obama has mentioned more than once that "good parents need to turn off the TV."
lol i like the references to a new "toaster"...if you know what i mean.
no i don't know what you mean :(
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