Don't Let The Holidays Get You Down
Dear Aunt Cynthia,
My husband and I are having our usual argument over
how much and what to get our children. Our son is nineteen and our daughter is
fourteen.
Every year I go out and get what I think is
appropriate for the children for Christmas, and every year my husband moans and
groans over the cost.
I have to admit I am sick and tired of the same old
argument. Can you suggest a better way for both of us so we can both enjoy the
holidays?
Merry Christmas Aunt Cynthia and thank you.
Ada.
Dear Ada,
I'm sure this is a common problem, and we all know
how futile it seems to keep having the same argument over and over again.
However there is some good news concerning Christmas. I hear its okay to change
things every once in a while. Santa tells me this is true.
So if your only dilemma at this time of year is how
much to spend, then why not change the perspective of your holidays. Set a
spending limit per child and stick to this. Your children are old enough to
understand how this works. For smaller children, I find it's better to even out
the amount of gifts; price isn't a factor with the younger children.
That's the proper answer to this problem; now
here's my answer for you, Ada. I think it's time to shake up some things in
your household. From the sounds of things a good shaking would be healthy for
all of those concerned. I get angry every time I hear someone whining about
monetary things. It isn't that I think the whole world should live in poverty.
I love my creature comforts in life, but I'm also very aware of the multitudes
that don't even have even the basics of life. It is only by the luck of the
draw I am not one of those multitudes. The same can be said for you and your
family, Ada.
Perhaps it's time that you begin to teach your
children the truth about Christmas. Perhaps you could start by showing them the
wonders of giving instead of taking all the time. Perhaps it's time to be
honest with your children and let them know we are all responsible for each
other and we all need to take care of each other. If you begin by teaching this
at home before you know it, this will be taught in your community. I believe
that if you begin to take care of things at home the ripple effect carries this
out into the rest of the world. I believe this is the best gift anyone could
give to another person.
Merry Christmas Ada to you and yours.
Aunt Cynthia
Keep those e-mails coming! I'll do what I can to help. Remember you can reach me at askauntcynthia@storiesbyemail.com.
Until then I remain as always your Aunt Cynthia!
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