Christmas
[email protected]
>>we've "run the gammut" from all-out hugefamily gatheringsgourmet meals & fancy clothes i
The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.>>
A few years back my adult siblings and my mother decided instead of
gifts, to get together for a fancy gourmet dinner that we each were in
charge of a dish or two. It was really great. I think Gramma still got
each of her grandkids a gift, but it was nice that a huge pile of gifts
wasn't the focus. At the time we all lived near each other.
Mary Ellen
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Yes, Christmas. This was on my mind also when I asked about birthdays.
Sometimes I wonder if I'm getting too cynical about things.
Our new traditions? Boxes of Holiday stuff come out after Thanksgiving
and go all over the house. The kids love to play with the nativity set!
Santa doesn't wrap the gifts he leaves here either (Santa brings just one
gift per child and puts fancy shampoo or bubble bath and a candy cane in
the stocking). Dad & kids go together to pick out the tree. Mom and
kids go to mall to visit Santa (Big deal here, we go to the mall only
about 3-4 times a year).
Here's were I have been:
I grew up with just my nuclear family around. Then when I married dh and
I both had families in town & my Mom could get pretty bent out of shape
that "her family" was not all together on the holidays anymore. We did
the 24th with mine and 25th with his and every other year Thanksgiving
stuff. Then we moved 250 miles away, far enough that we prefer to stay a
night or two when we visit and the trip involves a mountain pass that
gets plenty of snow in winter. So we stay home (& invite all our family
to come and spend holidays with us, so far no takers)
This will be our 4th Christmas here. With my family of origin, we
decided a few years ago not to exchange gifts, except between Grandma &
the kids. We broached this idea with Dh family, but they all continue to
give us gifts every year. Last year we put together baskets with
homemade jam & dried fruits & a bottle of local wine. Then I was annoyed
bc I did most of the work on this and decided to make one for my sibs as
well.
Let me add that we are on a TIGHT budget and dh went out & bought fancy
baskets (I would have been content to just put stuff in a bag, but he is
generous and thoughtful and likes to do nice things for people). So,
there was less money to buy stuff for our kids. Not that I wanted to
spend a lot on my kids, just that we had no money and were spending
giving things to grown-up siblings who are mostly financially better off
than we are.
This is part of my gripe with the whole gift thing. I will quote from my
brother: "Why spend money I don't have trying to pick out a gift for
(relative) who doesn't really "need" anything anyway, & they are doing
the same for me" Why not instead use our money to choose things we've
decided we need or want for ourselves? Or to give to charity? Or to not
spend at all and get the whole Christmas thing away from tons of gifts
anyway!
I also like the idea someone said about sending gifts when you want to
(rather than special occasions only). I digressed quite a bit there.
of doing Christmas. This is when our children look like they just bought
Toys
R Us! We decided that since Christ was given 3 gifts, we will give 3
gifts,
and then we will focus on clothing and needed items. In stockings my
children
are always blessed with undergarments, pencils, and other little goodies.
I
think that this year we are going to tone down the big toy hype and focus
on
family and Christ. We have also decided that instead of shopping for high
priced gifts for family and friends, we will make bread, soup mixes,
cookies,
and hot chocolate
Stephanie
Mommy to Tiffany, Martin, James, and Stacie>>
I'm all in favor of edible gifts!
The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.
Mary Ellen-
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Sometimes I wonder if I'm getting too cynical about things.
Our new traditions? Boxes of Holiday stuff come out after Thanksgiving
and go all over the house. The kids love to play with the nativity set!
Santa doesn't wrap the gifts he leaves here either (Santa brings just one
gift per child and puts fancy shampoo or bubble bath and a candy cane in
the stocking). Dad & kids go together to pick out the tree. Mom and
kids go to mall to visit Santa (Big deal here, we go to the mall only
about 3-4 times a year).
Here's were I have been:
I grew up with just my nuclear family around. Then when I married dh and
I both had families in town & my Mom could get pretty bent out of shape
that "her family" was not all together on the holidays anymore. We did
the 24th with mine and 25th with his and every other year Thanksgiving
stuff. Then we moved 250 miles away, far enough that we prefer to stay a
night or two when we visit and the trip involves a mountain pass that
gets plenty of snow in winter. So we stay home (& invite all our family
to come and spend holidays with us, so far no takers)
This will be our 4th Christmas here. With my family of origin, we
decided a few years ago not to exchange gifts, except between Grandma &
the kids. We broached this idea with Dh family, but they all continue to
give us gifts every year. Last year we put together baskets with
homemade jam & dried fruits & a bottle of local wine. Then I was annoyed
bc I did most of the work on this and decided to make one for my sibs as
well.
Let me add that we are on a TIGHT budget and dh went out & bought fancy
baskets (I would have been content to just put stuff in a bag, but he is
generous and thoughtful and likes to do nice things for people). So,
there was less money to buy stuff for our kids. Not that I wanted to
spend a lot on my kids, just that we had no money and were spending
giving things to grown-up siblings who are mostly financially better off
than we are.
This is part of my gripe with the whole gift thing. I will quote from my
brother: "Why spend money I don't have trying to pick out a gift for
(relative) who doesn't really "need" anything anyway, & they are doing
the same for me" Why not instead use our money to choose things we've
decided we need or want for ourselves? Or to give to charity? Or to not
spend at all and get the whole Christmas thing away from tons of gifts
anyway!
I also like the idea someone said about sending gifts when you want to
(rather than special occasions only). I digressed quite a bit there.
>>What do you do for Christmas? We are right now trying to implement anew way
of doing Christmas. This is when our children look like they just bought
Toys
R Us! We decided that since Christ was given 3 gifts, we will give 3
gifts,
and then we will focus on clothing and needed items. In stockings my
children
are always blessed with undergarments, pencils, and other little goodies.
I
think that this year we are going to tone down the big toy hype and focus
on
family and Christ. We have also decided that instead of shopping for high
priced gifts for family and friends, we will make bread, soup mixes,
cookies,
and hot chocolate
Stephanie
Mommy to Tiffany, Martin, James, and Stacie>>
I'm all in favor of edible gifts!
The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.
Mary Ellen-
___________________________________________________________________
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[email protected]
Wandering the library I came across "Unplug The Christmas Machine" by Jo
Robinson and Jean Coppock Staeheli. They have exercises and ideas for
how to celebrate the holiday season in a way that is joyful rather than
frazzled. Has ideas for families, single parents and single people and
pertains to religious and non-religious aspects of the season. They also
suggest that you don't have to do everything every year. and really
talking to your kids and family about what do they like best about the
season so you can focus on what you all enjoy more than what you THINK
everyone will enjoy. I'm glad I came across it bc I had just about
decided to take a sapatical from Christmas this year.!
Mary Ellen
We are shut up in schools and college recitation rooms for ten or fifteen
years,
and come out at last with a bellyful of words and do not know a thing.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Robinson and Jean Coppock Staeheli. They have exercises and ideas for
how to celebrate the holiday season in a way that is joyful rather than
frazzled. Has ideas for families, single parents and single people and
pertains to religious and non-religious aspects of the season. They also
suggest that you don't have to do everything every year. and really
talking to your kids and family about what do they like best about the
season so you can focus on what you all enjoy more than what you THINK
everyone will enjoy. I'm glad I came across it bc I had just about
decided to take a sapatical from Christmas this year.!
Mary Ellen
We are shut up in schools and college recitation rooms for ten or fifteen
years,
and come out at last with a bellyful of words and do not know a thing.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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A. Yates
I read that, and it was a great book.
It helped me do a little cutting back each year. I did start trying to make
a list of what was really important to me about the holiday, and what I did
'cause I thought I should. It helped. I still have alot of room for
improvement.
Ann
megates@... wrote:
It helped me do a little cutting back each year. I did start trying to make
a list of what was really important to me about the holiday, and what I did
'cause I thought I should. It helped. I still have alot of room for
improvement.
Ann
megates@... wrote:
> From: megates@...
>
> Wandering the library I came across "Unplug The Christmas Machine" by Jo
> Robinson and Jean Coppock Staeheli. They have exercises and ideas for
> how to celebrate the holiday season in a way that is joyful rather than
> frazzled. Has ideas for families, single parents and single people and
> pertains to religious and non-religious aspects of the season. They also
> suggest that you don't have to do everything every year. and really
> talking to your kids and family about what do they like best about the
> season so you can focus on what you all enjoy more than what you THINK
> everyone will enjoy. I'm glad I came across it bc I had just about
> decided to take a sapatical from Christmas this year.!
> Mary Ellen
> We are shut up in schools and college recitation rooms for ten or fifteen
> years,
> and come out at last with a bellyful of words and do not know a thing.
> Ralph Waldo Emerson
>
> ___________________________________________________________________
> Get the Internet just the way you want it.
> Free software, free e-mail, and free Internet access for a month!
> Try Juno Web: http://dl.www.juno.com/dynoget/tagj.
>
> > Check it out!
> http://www.unschooling.com
[email protected]
All this Christmas talk has me hankering to make a gingerbread house! Since
I never seem to manage such a task at the 'appropriate' time, perhaps I'll do
just that.
DS's birthday is early October. That starts thoughts of Christmas for us. I
get to figure out the shopping early. The two are close enough together that
I don't have to do a whole new information search on his wish list. What he
doesn't get for his birthday, I consider for Christmas.
The kid's getting savvy...only gives mom a short, detailed list of the most
important items and hopes I won't get distracted and go buy something else!
The list has gotten shorter and more detailed over the years. Smart kid.
Eiraul
I never seem to manage such a task at the 'appropriate' time, perhaps I'll do
just that.
DS's birthday is early October. That starts thoughts of Christmas for us. I
get to figure out the shopping early. The two are close enough together that
I don't have to do a whole new information search on his wish list. What he
doesn't get for his birthday, I consider for Christmas.
The kid's getting savvy...only gives mom a short, detailed list of the most
important items and hopes I won't get distracted and go buy something else!
The list has gotten shorter and more detailed over the years. Smart kid.
Eiraul
Nicole Brown
Just curious as to how everyone handles the Santa Claus thing?
I myself am a confirmed Grinch; Christmas is a huge annoyance to me and
I resent being assaulted by that horrid music all season long (yes, I
realize there is GOOD Xmas music, but they play the horrible stuff in
the stores and at work...). But that's beside the point.
I'm uncomfortable with the prospect of lying to my child(ren) about
Santa Claus. My baby's daddy and his family are very traditional folks
and it's all part of being a kid, believing in Santa Claus. I feel that
it sets kids up to disbelieve, or at least to question, the things
adults tell them (which, on second thought, may not be such a bad
thing!). Do kids equate Santa with the Tooth Fairy with God and other
intangible beings? Is this a healthy thing?
Nicole
stirring the pot again...
I myself am a confirmed Grinch; Christmas is a huge annoyance to me and
I resent being assaulted by that horrid music all season long (yes, I
realize there is GOOD Xmas music, but they play the horrible stuff in
the stores and at work...). But that's beside the point.
I'm uncomfortable with the prospect of lying to my child(ren) about
Santa Claus. My baby's daddy and his family are very traditional folks
and it's all part of being a kid, believing in Santa Claus. I feel that
it sets kids up to disbelieve, or at least to question, the things
adults tell them (which, on second thought, may not be such a bad
thing!). Do kids equate Santa with the Tooth Fairy with God and other
intangible beings? Is this a healthy thing?
Nicole
stirring the pot again...
aworthen
----- Original Message -----
From: Nicole Brown <nbrown@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 25, 2000 9:56 PM
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Re: Christmas
> Just curious as to how everyone handles the Santa Claus thing?
I have thought about this long and hard. I agree to some extent that it is a
lie, but OTOH there is a lot of magic surrounding it. I look at in another
light too. My family (well, ok especially myself) is certified Disney
freaks. When we go to WDW there is lots of magic in them meeting all of the
characters. I'm sure they know at a young age that the characters are not
real, yet they adore them. It's magical. When I asked my mom if there was a
santa she said "Santa is whoever you want him to be." To this day these
words ring true with me. I even have a sweatshirt that says "I still believe
in Santa Claus" and I'm 31 years old. It seems to me that Christmas would be
lacking with out santa. Our kids alays seem easy to forgive us when those
presents arrive.
Lynda
We "do" Santa Claus and all the rest of them (from other countries). He is
a figure of giving and sharing. He isn't a lie as such as he is or was an
actual person who became a myth, etc. We don't do the whole threat thing
(big good or Santa won't bring you anything), so I suppose that might make
a diff. I think kids are really quite able to understand intangibles and
the difference between folklore/myths and lies.
Lynda
----------
a figure of giving and sharing. He isn't a lie as such as he is or was an
actual person who became a myth, etc. We don't do the whole threat thing
(big good or Santa won't bring you anything), so I suppose that might make
a diff. I think kids are really quite able to understand intangibles and
the difference between folklore/myths and lies.
Lynda
----------
> From: Nicole Brown <nbrown@...>
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Re: Christmas
> Date: Monday, September 25, 2000 6:56 PM
>
> Just curious as to how everyone handles the Santa Claus thing?
>
> I myself am a confirmed Grinch; Christmas is a huge annoyance to me and
> I resent being assaulted by that horrid music all season long (yes, I
> realize there is GOOD Xmas music, but they play the horrible stuff in
> the stores and at work...). But that's beside the point.
>
> I'm uncomfortable with the prospect of lying to my child(ren) about
> Santa Claus. My baby's daddy and his family are very traditional folks
> and it's all part of being a kid, believing in Santa Claus. I feel that
> it sets kids up to disbelieve, or at least to question, the things
> adults tell them (which, on second thought, may not be such a bad
> thing!). Do kids equate Santa with the Tooth Fairy with God and other
> intangible beings? Is this a healthy thing?
>
> Nicole
> stirring the pot again...
>
>
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Valerie
I feel that
it sets kids up to disbelieve, or at least to question, the things
adults tell them (which, on second thought, may not be such a bad
thing!). Do kids equate Santa with the Tooth Fairy with God and other
intangible beings? Is this a healthy thing?
Nicole
stirring the pot again...
Hi Nicole
I never had a problem with the Santa Question because I myself enjoyed the
whole ruse as a child, and so did my husband. By a certain age (since we
were both babies of the family, a rather early age) we knew the truth, but
it was fun to pretend it was real. We never felt like we were lied to. It's
hard to get too worked up when there's presents involved.
My 8 and 11 yo's of course know that we are Santa. They are under strict
instructions not to ruin the magic for their little sisters, just like I
didn't let anyone ruin it for them.
Granted, when my eldest was 4 or 5 I tried for some reason to explain it
all. I was putting her shoes on and talking about "the spirit of Christmas"
and "St Nicholas", etc, everything except actually saying "Santa's not
real"...I finally stop, and Cristina says, "You're putting me on." I
consider for a second and agree. She eventually figured it out. And we've
never had a problem with Santa being on the same level as God. I don't know
what to tell you there except it just isn't an issue for us.
---Valerie
it sets kids up to disbelieve, or at least to question, the things
adults tell them (which, on second thought, may not be such a bad
thing!). Do kids equate Santa with the Tooth Fairy with God and other
intangible beings? Is this a healthy thing?
Nicole
stirring the pot again...
Hi Nicole
I never had a problem with the Santa Question because I myself enjoyed the
whole ruse as a child, and so did my husband. By a certain age (since we
were both babies of the family, a rather early age) we knew the truth, but
it was fun to pretend it was real. We never felt like we were lied to. It's
hard to get too worked up when there's presents involved.
My 8 and 11 yo's of course know that we are Santa. They are under strict
instructions not to ruin the magic for their little sisters, just like I
didn't let anyone ruin it for them.
Granted, when my eldest was 4 or 5 I tried for some reason to explain it
all. I was putting her shoes on and talking about "the spirit of Christmas"
and "St Nicholas", etc, everything except actually saying "Santa's not
real"...I finally stop, and Cristina says, "You're putting me on." I
consider for a second and agree. She eventually figured it out. And we've
never had a problem with Santa being on the same level as God. I don't know
what to tell you there except it just isn't an issue for us.
---Valerie
Bonnie Painter
Nicole,
I'm with you on this one, but because of society and families, we gave in
and do the Santa thing. I think that my kids will understand that it was me
all along and in a way, it is a right of passage. Only the really big kids
know that it is Mom and Dad, while the little ones still believe...
I don't equate with God, as we are not Christian and explain that while it
is a Christian holiday and this is what it represents these (various)
symbols come from ancient religions, etc...
Hope this was helpful to you.
Bonnie
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I'm with you on this one, but because of society and families, we gave in
and do the Santa thing. I think that my kids will understand that it was me
all along and in a way, it is a right of passage. Only the really big kids
know that it is Mom and Dad, while the little ones still believe...
I don't equate with God, as we are not Christian and explain that while it
is a Christian holiday and this is what it represents these (various)
symbols come from ancient religions, etc...
Hope this was helpful to you.
Bonnie
>From: Nicole Brown <nbrown@...>_________________________________________________________________________
>Reply-To: [email protected]
>To: [email protected]
>Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Re: Christmas
>Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2000 21:56:37 -0400
>
>Just curious as to how everyone handles the Santa Claus thing?
>
>I myself am a confirmed Grinch; Christmas is a huge annoyance to me and
>I resent being assaulted by that horrid music all season long (yes, I
>realize there is GOOD Xmas music, but they play the horrible stuff in
>the stores and at work...). But that's beside the point.
>
>I'm uncomfortable with the prospect of lying to my child(ren) about
>Santa Claus. My baby's daddy and his family are very traditional folks
>and it's all part of being a kid, believing in Santa Claus. I feel that
>it sets kids up to disbelieve, or at least to question, the things
>adults tell them (which, on second thought, may not be such a bad
>thing!). Do kids equate Santa with the Tooth Fairy with God and other
>intangible beings? Is this a healthy thing?
>
>Nicole
>stirring the pot again...
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Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at
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Tracy Oldfield
I was unhappy about this, I don't have a problem with Christmas
per se, just that it's not part of my belief and I don't like the way
most of the traditions are nicked from other belief systems
without recognition. I also felt that it engendered mistrust, so I
personally have tried not to say anything about Father Christmas,
and certainly don't agree with the grotto! How much time do
parents spend telling their kids not to talk to strangers yet we
plonk our kinder on the knee of some bloke in a big red suit with
(usually) a fake beard in a dark room, for him to give them a
present???!!!! Is it me, or is something wrong with this picture??
No thank you, this is not MY idea of Christmas. I love hymns and
most Christmas music generally, but I'm not Christian, and feel
hypocritical about celebrating Christmas in the way we do. I will
be making a bigger effort this year to make Yule bigger than
Christmas, I understand the need to party in the middle of the
dark times, so that's what I'll do, and try to keep shtum about the
rest.
Tracy
handing the spoon back to Nicole...
Just curious as to how everyone handles the Santa Claus
thing?
per se, just that it's not part of my belief and I don't like the way
most of the traditions are nicked from other belief systems
without recognition. I also felt that it engendered mistrust, so I
personally have tried not to say anything about Father Christmas,
and certainly don't agree with the grotto! How much time do
parents spend telling their kids not to talk to strangers yet we
plonk our kinder on the knee of some bloke in a big red suit with
(usually) a fake beard in a dark room, for him to give them a
present???!!!! Is it me, or is something wrong with this picture??
No thank you, this is not MY idea of Christmas. I love hymns and
most Christmas music generally, but I'm not Christian, and feel
hypocritical about celebrating Christmas in the way we do. I will
be making a bigger effort this year to make Yule bigger than
Christmas, I understand the need to party in the middle of the
dark times, so that's what I'll do, and try to keep shtum about the
rest.
Tracy
handing the spoon back to Nicole...
Just curious as to how everyone handles the Santa Claus
thing?
Tracy Oldfield
I was unhappy about this, I don't have a problem with Christmas
per se, just that it's not part of my belief and I don't like the way
most of the traditions are nicked from other belief systems without
recognition. I also felt that it engendered mistrust, so I personally
have tried not to say anything about Father Christmas, and
certainly don't agree with the grotto! How much time do parents
spend telling their kids not to talk to strangers yet we plonk our
kinder on the knee of some bloke in a big red suit with (usually) a
fake beard in a dark room, for him to give them a present???!!!! Is it
me, or is something wrong with this picture?? No thank you, this
is not MY idea of Christmas. I love hymns and most Christmas
music generally, but I'm not Christian, and feel hypocritical about
celebrating Christmas in the way we do. I will be making a bigger
effort this year to make Yule bigger than Christmas, I understand
the need to party in the middle of the dark times, so that's what I'll
do, and try to keep shtum about the rest.
Tracy
handing the spoon back to Nicole...
Just curious as to how everyone handles the Santa Claus thing?
per se, just that it's not part of my belief and I don't like the way
most of the traditions are nicked from other belief systems without
recognition. I also felt that it engendered mistrust, so I personally
have tried not to say anything about Father Christmas, and
certainly don't agree with the grotto! How much time do parents
spend telling their kids not to talk to strangers yet we plonk our
kinder on the knee of some bloke in a big red suit with (usually) a
fake beard in a dark room, for him to give them a present???!!!! Is it
me, or is something wrong with this picture?? No thank you, this
is not MY idea of Christmas. I love hymns and most Christmas
music generally, but I'm not Christian, and feel hypocritical about
celebrating Christmas in the way we do. I will be making a bigger
effort this year to make Yule bigger than Christmas, I understand
the need to party in the middle of the dark times, so that's what I'll
do, and try to keep shtum about the rest.
Tracy
handing the spoon back to Nicole...
Just curious as to how everyone handles the Santa Claus thing?
Tracy Oldfield
sorry for the duplicate, was re-reading it while my
email prog was sending! so I ended up sending it
again, doh! oh, well, it was a good enough point to
send it twice, LOL
Tracy
I was unhappy about this, I don't have a problem with
Christmas
per se,
email prog was sending! so I ended up sending it
again, doh! oh, well, it was a good enough point to
send it twice, LOL
Tracy
I was unhappy about this, I don't have a problem with
Christmas
per se,
Susan (mother to 5 in Fla)
My two cents for Santa topic. My dd has known (since she was 5) that Santa
was really people who love her & want to share a special time with her.
We've learned about Saint Nicholas & his life. I've taught her that not
everyone is comfortable giving & this is a way for them to do it without
doing it in person. We've talked about giving to those whose parents can't
afford to give them gifts. Its a season of sharing & remembering the best
gift of all "a little baby". Our two ds (4 & 2) know that Santa at the
store is really a man dressed up to remind everyone abut St. Nicholas, who
was a real person. Santa is anyone who wants to share joy with another.
But they still tell me, all year long, to put this item or another on their
gift list for birthday & Santa.
We've also studied Santa through the years and in different countries. A
history and geography lesson rolled into one. We don't want the kids to be
without this small piece of childhood but when their ready they know the
truth. It's also cute watching them during the holiday season. DD came
over last year & told me that I should get her brother a particular gift for
Christmas because he doesn't know yet that Santa is really mom, dad &
grandparents. But it's ok because he's only a little kid. DD had just
turned 7 (on Christmas Day).
was really people who love her & want to share a special time with her.
We've learned about Saint Nicholas & his life. I've taught her that not
everyone is comfortable giving & this is a way for them to do it without
doing it in person. We've talked about giving to those whose parents can't
afford to give them gifts. Its a season of sharing & remembering the best
gift of all "a little baby". Our two ds (4 & 2) know that Santa at the
store is really a man dressed up to remind everyone abut St. Nicholas, who
was a real person. Santa is anyone who wants to share joy with another.
But they still tell me, all year long, to put this item or another on their
gift list for birthday & Santa.
We've also studied Santa through the years and in different countries. A
history and geography lesson rolled into one. We don't want the kids to be
without this small piece of childhood but when their ready they know the
truth. It's also cute watching them during the holiday season. DD came
over last year & told me that I should get her brother a particular gift for
Christmas because he doesn't know yet that Santa is really mom, dad &
grandparents. But it's ok because he's only a little kid. DD had just
turned 7 (on Christmas Day).
Cathie _
Hi Nicole. I am feeling a bit grinchley myself. When the topic first came
up, my first thought was of all the money I would be spending. With 5 kids,
it can really add up fast. Over the years I have gotten really sick and
tired of worrying about there being enough presents and if everyone has what
they really want, and if each is getting the same number of gifts, and all
the crap that goes with Christmas.
I did it to myself. When my oldest, Megan, was 3 she asked for 3 things from
Santa. I got her those 3, and several more. She looked at all that, and said
"Mommy I only asked for 3 things, why did I get so many?" I realized then
that I blew it. I should have stuck to the list. Instead I passed on the
tradition of excess from my own childhood. At the time, I still wanted
that-the tree overflowing with presents, the excitement, and it was fun
while the kids were little. They were thrilled with everything they got,
whether it was something expensive or just a little thing. Now I think that
Santa presents are the big ticket items that they know I won't buy but they
can get from him for free.
I would love to come clean on it and tell them that there is no Santa, but
then I remember telling Meg. She had said one day in the car that even
though other kids say there is no Santa, she knew I would never lie to her.
I thought it was a big hint to go ahead and tell her, so one day when we
were alone, I did. She was totally horrified. She cried, I felt awful. I do
not ever want to go through that again. So, on we go. If I had it to do over
again, Oh, tough one. I still love that magic-I always want to believe in
fairy tales, and Santa is such a good one. I guess that I would like it if
Santa only brought some little things-the ones made by elves and not
Nintendo or Mattel. Then the big dollar toys would still be subject to
reality. Wow, that is a good idea-wonder if I could start some kind of
propaganda that Santa is going back to basics and making all his own stuff
again!! Do you think the kids would buy it?
Cathie
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up, my first thought was of all the money I would be spending. With 5 kids,
it can really add up fast. Over the years I have gotten really sick and
tired of worrying about there being enough presents and if everyone has what
they really want, and if each is getting the same number of gifts, and all
the crap that goes with Christmas.
I did it to myself. When my oldest, Megan, was 3 she asked for 3 things from
Santa. I got her those 3, and several more. She looked at all that, and said
"Mommy I only asked for 3 things, why did I get so many?" I realized then
that I blew it. I should have stuck to the list. Instead I passed on the
tradition of excess from my own childhood. At the time, I still wanted
that-the tree overflowing with presents, the excitement, and it was fun
while the kids were little. They were thrilled with everything they got,
whether it was something expensive or just a little thing. Now I think that
Santa presents are the big ticket items that they know I won't buy but they
can get from him for free.
I would love to come clean on it and tell them that there is no Santa, but
then I remember telling Meg. She had said one day in the car that even
though other kids say there is no Santa, she knew I would never lie to her.
I thought it was a big hint to go ahead and tell her, so one day when we
were alone, I did. She was totally horrified. She cried, I felt awful. I do
not ever want to go through that again. So, on we go. If I had it to do over
again, Oh, tough one. I still love that magic-I always want to believe in
fairy tales, and Santa is such a good one. I guess that I would like it if
Santa only brought some little things-the ones made by elves and not
Nintendo or Mattel. Then the big dollar toys would still be subject to
reality. Wow, that is a good idea-wonder if I could start some kind of
propaganda that Santa is going back to basics and making all his own stuff
again!! Do you think the kids would buy it?
Cathie
>From: Nicole Brown <nbrown@...>_________________________________________________________________________
>Reply-To: [email protected]
>To: [email protected]
>Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Re: Christmas
>Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2000 21:56:37 -0400
>
>Just curious as to how everyone handles the Santa Claus thing?
>
>I myself am a confirmed Grinch; Christmas is a huge annoyance to me and
>I resent being assaulted by that horrid music all season long (yes, I
>realize there is GOOD Xmas music, but they play the horrible stuff in
>the stores and at work...). But that's beside the point.
>
>I'm uncomfortable with the prospect of lying to my child(ren) about
>Santa Claus. My baby's daddy and his family are very traditional folks
>and it's all part of being a kid, believing in Santa Claus. I feel that
>it sets kids up to disbelieve, or at least to question, the things
>adults tell them (which, on second thought, may not be such a bad
>thing!). Do kids equate Santa with the Tooth Fairy with God and other
>intangible beings? Is this a healthy thing?
>
>Nicole
>stirring the pot again...
>
>
>Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
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>
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>
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Betsy Wright
Hi all!
Here's my 2 cents about Christmas and Santa. I have never told my kids
there was a Santa, but then, I didn't need to. Advertising and well meaning
grandparents did that for me. I never made a big deal about it. The first
time my son asked me whether or not Santa was real, I asked him, "What do
you think?". He said, "I don't think he's real". A few minutes later he
asked me who REALLY gave him all the Christmas presents. I told him I did.
I asked him if he was disappointed and he said, "No way, I love you alot
more than Santa!". That just made my day.
Betsy Wright (who just happens to be the rotten kid who told her whole 1st
grade class that Santa wasn't real, made kids cry, and had to go home with a
nasty-gram from the teacher LOL!)
Wife to my sweetie, David
Mom/Stepmom to: Michelle, (27yodd), James (14yods), Kelly (10yodd), Zachary
(9yods) and Alannah (6 yodd)
Here's my 2 cents about Christmas and Santa. I have never told my kids
there was a Santa, but then, I didn't need to. Advertising and well meaning
grandparents did that for me. I never made a big deal about it. The first
time my son asked me whether or not Santa was real, I asked him, "What do
you think?". He said, "I don't think he's real". A few minutes later he
asked me who REALLY gave him all the Christmas presents. I told him I did.
I asked him if he was disappointed and he said, "No way, I love you alot
more than Santa!". That just made my day.
Betsy Wright (who just happens to be the rotten kid who told her whole 1st
grade class that Santa wasn't real, made kids cry, and had to go home with a
nasty-gram from the teacher LOL!)
Wife to my sweetie, David
Mom/Stepmom to: Michelle, (27yodd), James (14yods), Kelly (10yodd), Zachary
(9yods) and Alannah (6 yodd)
Nanci and Thomas Kuykendall
> How much time do parents spend telling their kids not to talk to >strangers yet we plonk our kinder on the knee of some bloke in a big >red suit with (usually) a fake beard in a dark room, for him to give >them a present???!!!!I don't take kindly to this particular tradition either. I don't take my kids to the mall to see Santa, since I don't believe in lying to them and telling them that this man is the ONE and ONLY Santa and he lives in the North Pole, etc. I believe that it is important to keep Santa a mysterious and intangible figure, so that when they are old enough, the transition to understanding the more complex idea of what Santa really is, is easier, and they don't feel they have been fooled or lied to, but that they are now learning more of the truth as they get older.
>Tracy
Nanci K.
------------------------------------------------------------
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Bill & Sher
>>Just curious as to how everyone handles the Santa Claus thing?I told the story many other suggested, that Santa Clause lived many years ago and loved Jesus so much that he gave gift to poor little children on Jesus' birthday.
>>
>>I myself am a confirmed Grinch; Christmas is a huge annoyance to me and
>>I resent being assaulted by that horrid music all season long (yes, I
>>realize there is GOOD Xmas music, but they play the horrible stuff in
>>the stores and at work...). But that's beside the point.
>>
>>I'm uncomfortable with the prospect of lying to my child(ren) about
>>Santa Claus. My baby's daddy and his family are very traditional folks
>>and it's all part of being a kid, believing in Santa Claus. I feel that
>>it sets kids up to disbelieve, or at least to question, the things
>>adults tell them (which, on second thought, may not be such a bad
>>thing!). Do kids equate Santa with the Tooth Fairy with God and other
>>intangible beings? Is this a healthy thing?
>>
>>Nicole
>>stirring the pot again...
When my child got older his daddy's parents told him, "Mommy thinks Santa Clause is dead but he comes to see us. See how dumb your lying mom is?"
But remember one day all children find out the truth! And now who is dumb/liar.
I say tell the truth. Not looking for a fight but you are developing a relationship to teach your child many things. Not just Santa Clause. Math, science, God, ect... Do you want to set the idea that you are not a source of truth? Or when everyone else is wrong or telling me stories, Mom/Dad are the ones to get the answers from.
Sher
Join 18 million Eudora users by signing up for a free Eudora Web-Mail account at http://www.eudoramail.com
aworthen
----- Original Message -----
From: Nanci and Thomas Kuykendall <tn-k4of5@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2000 1:30 PM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Re: Christmas
> > How much time do parents spend telling their kids not to talk to
>strangers yet we plonk our kinder on the knee of some bloke in a big >red
suit with (usually) a fake beard in a dark room, for him to give >them a
present???!!!!
> >Tracy
I have taken my kids to see Santa, but would not make them sit with him if
they didn't want to. I've always seen Santa in the mall or at Parties, but
noyt in dark rooms. That's strange. If a santa was in a dark room inviting
kids to sit on his lap I'd be worried he was a weirdo.
Amy
Mom to Samantha, Dana, and Casey
The World Is Our Classroom
Tracy Oldfield
Our "Santa's" are usually in grottos, usually dark, lit
with fairy lights to seem magical I suppose. Mostly
they have some helper 'Mrs Claus' or an 'elf' but not
always... yes, it's scary, and I don't remember having
taken mine. H would talk him to death and A would
freak completely, not worth it.
Tracy
suit with (usually) a fake beard in a dark room, for
him to give >them a
present???!!!!
them sit with him if
they didn't want to. I've always seen Santa in the mall
or at Parties, but
noyt in dark rooms. That's strange. If a santa was in a
dark room inviting
kids to sit on his lap I'd be worried he was a weirdo.
Amy
Mom to Samantha, Dana, and Casey
The World Is Our Classroom
with fairy lights to seem magical I suppose. Mostly
they have some helper 'Mrs Claus' or an 'elf' but not
always... yes, it's scary, and I don't remember having
taken mine. H would talk him to death and A would
freak completely, not worth it.
Tracy
> > How much time do parents spend telling their kidsnot to talk to
>strangers yet we plonk our kinder on the knee of somebloke in a big >red
suit with (usually) a fake beard in a dark room, for
him to give >them a
present???!!!!
> >TracyI have taken my kids to see Santa, but would not make
them sit with him if
they didn't want to. I've always seen Santa in the mall
or at Parties, but
noyt in dark rooms. That's strange. If a santa was in a
dark room inviting
kids to sit on his lap I'd be worried he was a weirdo.
Amy
Mom to Samantha, Dana, and Casey
The World Is Our Classroom
Nora or Devereaux Cannon
Around here, my mind starts turning to Christmas presents about
now. Legos are an on again off again pleasure for our 6 yo dd.
She does however love the Bellville games from Lego. Does
anybody have experience with the Cold North or Princess product
from Lego? They don't look like much to me, but mebbe I'm
missing something.
now. Legos are an on again off again pleasure for our 6 yo dd.
She does however love the Bellville games from Lego. Does
anybody have experience with the Cold North or Princess product
from Lego? They don't look like much to me, but mebbe I'm
missing something.
[email protected]
In a message dated 11/6/2002 8:54:02 PM Eastern Standard Time,
dcannon@... writes:
feeling so stressed through December every year that now I finish early and
am actually able to enjoy the baking, family time, etc...) My ds is 5 and
into Spiderman, legos, dinosaurs and sharks. I got him one of those
tadpole/frog raising kits that I think he'll like. My dd (3) is into Dora the
Explorer.
Amy Kagey
Christmas gifts:
<A HREF="http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=Z0939&gid=462366"> </A>U<A HREF="http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=Z0939&gid=462366">sborne Books Online Catalog</A>
and
<A HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/amycats2/myhomepage/business.html">Santa Letters for Your Child!</A>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
dcannon@... writes:
>Mine are all bought and wrapped (please don't hate me! LOL I just hated
> Around here, my mind starts turning to Christmas presents about
> now.
feeling so stressed through December every year that now I finish early and
am actually able to enjoy the baking, family time, etc...) My ds is 5 and
into Spiderman, legos, dinosaurs and sharks. I got him one of those
tadpole/frog raising kits that I think he'll like. My dd (3) is into Dora the
Explorer.
Amy Kagey
Christmas gifts:
<A HREF="http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=Z0939&gid=462366"> </A>U<A HREF="http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=Z0939&gid=462366">sborne Books Online Catalog</A>
and
<A HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/amycats2/myhomepage/business.html">Santa Letters for Your Child!</A>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Betsy
**My dd (3) is into Dora the Explorer. **
Dora was on the cover of the last issue of Newsweek, illustrating a
debate about whether television is good for children or not.
Betsy
Dora was on the cover of the last issue of Newsweek, illustrating a
debate about whether television is good for children or not.
Betsy
[email protected]
In a message dated 11/7/2002 10:53:16 AM Eastern Standard Time,
ecsamhill@... writes:
articles, one for TV and one against it.
Amy Kagey
Christmas gifts:
<A HREF="http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=Z0939&gid=462366"> </A>U<A HREF="http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=Z0939&gid=462366">sborne Books Online Catalog</A>
and
<A HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/amycats2/myhomepage/business.html">Santa Letters for Your Child!</A>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
ecsamhill@... writes:
>I saw that but didn't read the article. It looked like they had 2 separate
> Dora was on the cover of the last issue of Newsweek, illustrating a
> debate about whether television is good for children or not.
>
>
articles, one for TV and one against it.
Amy Kagey
Christmas gifts:
<A HREF="http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=Z0939&gid=462366"> </A>U<A HREF="http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=Z0939&gid=462366">sborne Books Online Catalog</A>
and
<A HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/amycats2/myhomepage/business.html">Santa Letters for Your Child!</A>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Betsy
**I saw that but didn't read the article. It looked like they had 2
separate articles, one for TV and one against it.**
It was mostly about TV for pre-schoolers. The main point was that there
are more quality shows aimed at this age group, now.
There was a one page personal story about a woman who grew up with TV
but doesn't let her kids watch any, I mean any, except what the teacher
shows in school. She even had a tizzy that Thanksgiving football at
grandpa's house might seduce her kids to the dark side. (OK, I'm
exaggerating just a smidge.) But she sounded kind of smug and
ridiculous to me.
These articles may be online at the Newsweek website.
Betsy
separate articles, one for TV and one against it.**
It was mostly about TV for pre-schoolers. The main point was that there
are more quality shows aimed at this age group, now.
There was a one page personal story about a woman who grew up with TV
but doesn't let her kids watch any, I mean any, except what the teacher
shows in school. She even had a tizzy that Thanksgiving football at
grandpa's house might seduce her kids to the dark side. (OK, I'm
exaggerating just a smidge.) But she sounded kind of smug and
ridiculous to me.
These articles may be online at the Newsweek website.
Betsy
[email protected]
In a message dated 11/7/02 1:00:13 PM, ecsamhill@... writes:
<< She even had a tizzy that Thanksgiving football at
grandpa's house might seduce her kids to the dark side. (OK, I'm
exaggerating just a smidge.) >>
No you're not.
I'm sure that's the way she sees it in her head.
<< She even had a tizzy that Thanksgiving football at
grandpa's house might seduce her kids to the dark side. (OK, I'm
exaggerating just a smidge.) >>
No you're not.
I'm sure that's the way she sees it in her head.
[email protected]
In a message dated 11/7/2002 3:01:00 PM Eastern Standard Time,
ecsamhill@... writes:
with some Animal Planet. Sometimes they are totally transfixed but my 5yo
will always pick reading, crafts, drawing, etc...over the TV. Seems like TV
is his choice when there's nothing more exciting to do.
Amy Kagey
Christmas gifts:
<A HREF="http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=Z0939&gid=462366"> </A>U<A HREF="http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=Z0939&gid=462366">sborne Books Online Catalog</A>
and
<A HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/amycats2/myhomepage/business.html">Santa Letters for Your Child!</A>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
ecsamhill@... writes:
>Hmmm, my kids are 5yo and 3yo. They watch Nick Jr and Disney mostly along
>
> It was mostly about TV for pre-schoolers. The main point was that there
> are more quality shows aimed at this age group, now.
>
with some Animal Planet. Sometimes they are totally transfixed but my 5yo
will always pick reading, crafts, drawing, etc...over the TV. Seems like TV
is his choice when there's nothing more exciting to do.
Amy Kagey
Christmas gifts:
<A HREF="http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=Z0939&gid=462366"> </A>U<A HREF="http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=Z0939&gid=462366">sborne Books Online Catalog</A>
and
<A HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/amycats2/myhomepage/business.html">Santa Letters for Your Child!</A>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Nora or Devereaux Cannon
I used to finish all the shopping early, but in reality, I enjoy
the hustle and bustle, the conspiratorial smiles with other
parents out on a mission to bring delight to the kid-lets, the
wealth of stuff that suddenly appears. Also, when I find
something I think will be loved, I can't wait until Christmas to
give it, unless it is already very close to Christmas!
... as a side note, I can and have made a half dozen batches of
cookie dough, all stowed in the freezer.
the hustle and bustle, the conspiratorial smiles with other
parents out on a mission to bring delight to the kid-lets, the
wealth of stuff that suddenly appears. Also, when I find
something I think will be loved, I can't wait until Christmas to
give it, unless it is already very close to Christmas!
... as a side note, I can and have made a half dozen batches of
cookie dough, all stowed in the freezer.
----- Original Message -----
From: <amycats2@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2002 6:13 AM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Christmas
| In a message dated 11/6/2002 8:54:02 PM Eastern Standard Time,
| dcannon@... writes:
|
|
| >
| > Around here, my mind starts turning to Christmas presents
about
| > now.
|
| Mine are all bought and wrapped (please don't hate me! LOL I
just hated
| feeling so stressed through December every year that now I
finish early and
| am actually able to enjoy the baking, family time, etc...) My
ds is 5 and
| into Spiderman, legos, dinosaurs and sharks. I got him one of
those
| tadpole/frog raising kits that I think he'll like. My dd (3) is
into Dora the
| Explorer.
| Amy Kagey
| Christmas gifts:
| <A
HREF="http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=Z0939&gid=462
366"> </A>U<A
HREF="http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=Z0939&gid=462
366">sborne Books Online Catalog</A>
| and
| <A
HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/amycats2/myhomepage/business.html">
Santa Letters for Your Child!</A>
|
|
|
| [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
|
|
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