Another Target toy catalog came in the mail today, and my boys were snatching it from my hands before I could even get it out of the mailbox. Like ravenous little wolves they began devouring each page and bookmarking the toys they want to add to their never-ending lists.  I know it’s typical; I know many parents struggle with the same thing, but I really was ready to scream, “No toys for you two-greedy-little-selfish-buggers!”  Of course I didn’t.  Of course I reflected on how, how, how to teach them the true meaning of Christmas….on how to become  loving boys with character.  And of course I had to look in the mirror and recognize my own selfish buggerness too….at my own discontentment with my own “toys”.
My little sis posted this link by Dana@Frugal in Virginia as her facebook status a few weeks ago.  I thought it was a perfect reminder for all of us as we enter the holiday season.  Here are the lyrics to the song.  It is soooooo dead on for many of us.  I think if you’ll take the time to read you may just see a glimmer of yourself in the lyrics.  I know I do.  I’m trying to resist my need for that wooden walrus.  How about you?
Newly married, new apartment
All our furniture was saved from the dump
Yes dear, maybe we can afford a trashcan next month
All I need is my love for you and a seat for two
New baby new life
We will teach him to speak French
We’ve got no money so we’ll make it all ourselves
I’ll make the curtains and you make the shelves
All I need is a power saw and a new sewing machine
Honey, this house needs a little something
That bare mantle doesn’t look so good
Someone told me of a man
Who makes animals from driftwood
All I need is your monthly bonus for a wooden walrus
Honey, the Colbaughs are coming over
This house needs some renovations
Just a wall or two, just a little room
And a few new decorations
All I need is a sectional and a satellite TV
and dark-wood cabinets that were custom built for me
and a painting by that guy that paints with his feet…
That’s all I need
For now
the wiedmaiers says
my family does three gifts for the children… a spiritual gift like a christian book, cd, video; a physical gift such as a sweater, coat, shoes; and emotional gift like legos, baby doll, etc. setting a dollar limit sounds great when they are young but the older they get the more expensive the gifts. plus it makes no sense to spend the same amount on a 6 year old and an 18 month old.
love seeing your before/after pics. amazing!
Jane @ Finding Fabulous says
Beth,
Too funny, my kids got that Target toy ad and did the exact same thing! Even cut out their favorite toys and are saving them! Ugh…I totally missed your Elmo scarf giveaway, your post was too funn! Well, I'm trying to convince the hubby to rip off our carpeting on the stairs, but not so sure bout' that! I'll keep complaining though! 😉
Christianne @ Little Page Turners says
We're planning on starting a 3 present rule this Christmas: something you need, something you want, and something to share. Dave and I are going to do the same for each other. Not only does it limit the present insanity that often happens, but the presents have purpose and point us back to Christ's birth.
Jenny B says
So true Beth…thanks for helping us to get rid of our own selfish buggarness!
maura says
Beth, we try to teach our kids by example. We adopt a family through the salvation army at christmas (the whole family goes out to shop for the items so that the kids can see that some people just need the basics )and we set a reasonable budget of 150$ for christmas presents for each child. I started this about two years ago and to be honest I think my kids appreciate what they get more now. My daughter has 6 things on her christmas list. Of course 1 item (A DS) is more then her total budget for christmas – My brothers and sister and I only buy for each others kids(15$ max) so If I know the kids want something over my budget I let all the aunties and uncles know what it is and they can combine to get that item. My number one rule for the holidays is no credit cards. If we can't afford it- we can't afford it.
Sue says
We see so much on television and in blogging, and we're so tempted to keep up with the Joneses! If we aren't doing this or buying that, we aren't satisfied.
Well,why aren't we satisfied? Why are we envious of others? When will it stop? We need to ask ourselves these questions and answer them honestly…
Jenny says
This is so true. Our Church started something up a few years ago called the Advent Conspiracy. http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
It's really interesting.
Anonymous says
Beth, I totally agree with you. I'm not a blogger, but a blog reader and I have noticed I've been tempted to buy more on etsy, etc. because of blog recommendations. I have to really watch myself! Thanks for the honest post.
Beth@The Stories of A to Z says
I agree with you Dayka. It's much better when you watch the video and it's good to be aware of how blogging can lead to the frenzy of "more". So glad to see someone else is feelin' me on this one! Anyone else?
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
Love those lyrics. 🙂 I've been posting 1 thing I am thankful for each day this month, and I have to say that it IS helping my attitude. I've been stressing about medical bills and waiting to see a specialist for our toddler's gallstones (!!), but the important thing is to focus on what we do have and the real "reason for the (upcoming) season." 🙂
Dayka says
Reading the lyrics really isn't good enough–it's much better to watch the video and listen to the music. I wish I could hear what the little kids were saying in the end. Of course you're not the only one. I was just thinking this weekend about how I need to buy a new house because I need a 2 car garage (instead of 1) so I can buy a raggedy little truck to pick my large things up from the thrift store/yard sale/etc. Basically I need to move so I can get more stuff. Crazy, right? I, too, am trying to focus on being more grateful and peaceful with what I DO have (this isn't exactly what you said, but i'm paraphrasing). In some ways my blog is feeding my frenzy–since I'm always looking for a new project to tackle, all I see is what I need instead of what I have and what I've already accomplished! (this also holds true with the rest of my life, but I'll stop here.) I'm thinking about making gifts this year.