There are so many lessons we can learn from our kids. Being able to just sit quietly and observe, you will see that they have so much joy, so much wonder, so much love. How did we lose all this along the way?
It's beautiful and amazing to watch them amuse themselves with the simplest piece of tape, or string, or a cardboard box. It really makes you realize how ridiculously out of hand consumerism has become, when we, as parents think to ourselves, "I have to get this for my kid for Christmas, this is what they want." Some parents spend ridiculous amounts of money on far too many toys (I myself am guilty of such behaviour), when really, I'm sure kids would be just as happy without all of the nonsense. The only reason they grow to expect it is because that's how we've conditioned them.
But watching them run around, jump for joy, sing and dance, it is so easy to see that they have more happiness than all the money and fancy dancy toys in the world could buy. For the joy that comes from a toy has an expiration date, but the joy that comes from within is everlasting.
Random anecdote -- one Christmas Eve, my mom declared that my siblings and I were being horrible children and Santa might only leave us lumps of coal. Low and behold, on Christmas morning there was only a bag of Kingsford Charcoal under the tree.
ReplyDeleteThe thing is, none of us were upset. We grabbed the bag of charcoal, ran outside, and drew a huge mural on the driveway. We painted each other's faces with the coal, crushed it up, and generally made a huge mess. The charcoal ended up being more fun than our Christmas presents.
That's the perfect example of how easy it is for kids to amuse themselves and how little money is actually required. Thanks so much for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the last little bit of this post so much. Such a beautiful way to say it.
ReplyDelete:) Thanks. That was one of my favourite parts of this post too. :)
DeleteSome of my favorite toys were the simple ones like a cardboard box and some masking tape. Those were the days. Thanks for dropping by earlier :)
ReplyDeleteSam
I'm sure all kids have found joy in cardboard boxes at some point. In fact, oftentimes, it's the box and the wrapping that's more exciting than the gifts.
DeleteIf we could have the joy of a child for the expanse of our lifetime, wouldn't that take the meaning of life to another level?
ReplyDeleteIt certainly would. Maybe someday humanity will reach such a level...
DeleteWhen I was growing up we always got our wishes for Christmas, birthdays...but they weren't the entire store. I think a lot of parents look for enough to entertain because it gives them a chance to be without kids for awhile, or...they have to look important to the neighbors. I have a niece just like that. Everyday, and I am not making this up the UPS truck has a new gadget, electronic game, Ipod, Ipad,lap top, x box, headsets, Kindle,(has two of those now), has a 36 in color t.v. in his room, shoes and clothing galore.. and he just turned 8. When his mother gets a package he has to "help" open the box. Extremely spoiled. His cell phone is the same one I own a Galaxy S 11, T-Mobile. Has a piano in his room, one wall full of 49.95 games for his electronic devices, last time I counted 43. Whines and cries when he has to practice piano, wants to play games and watches movies, and his collection of CD's is astounding. Calls the shots with his mother and grandmother, maintains a straight A average in school. My sisters and I use to jump for joy with our new shoe skates and a board game we wanted, and our parents smiled ear to ear with our happiness of their gifts. Oh how times have changed!
ReplyDeleteWow! I thought I was bad. It's nice that they have the means to provide for their child but I don't think they're doing him any favours. He certainly will have a harder time learning appreciation.
DeleteIsn't jubilant an awesome word! Makes me happy just to see it.
ReplyDeleteIt is a fantastic word! :)
DeleteI love seeing kids do a happy dance when they're eager for something or excited by something they've just received!
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