Rescuing Children from the crass materialism of Christmas Now

Over the Christmas holiday, my wife and I had the joy of sharing Christmas gifts with our grandchildren (ages 3 & 5). While it was a joy, it was also disturbing. The minute they opened one present, they shouted out for more. The ones they didn't like, they ignored. Yuck

Not sure if you all have had similar experiences? If your children or grandchildren received a generous bounty of presents, then maybe now is a good time to teach them the value of giving to those less fortunate than themselves. One way to do this is to have each child give a gift to the poor.

Have the child select a gift that he/she really doesn't want. Explain how this would gift would be greatly appreciated by those less fortunate. Then give the gift to someone in need.

Our church, Christ Church Quaker Farms (470 Quaker Farms Rd, Oxford 06478), has been doing this for the past 90 years. We have always shipped these presents to the impoverished children of the Navajoland. They are all so grateful. And in response, we commend and congratulate for kids for their generosity.

This Sunday, January 6, 10:00am we celebrate Three Kings Sunday with a Family Service when the children bring their unwrapped gifts up to the altar. This service is open to the community, and all are invited to join us. or, if that is not convenient, you may drop off your gifts at our church January 7 -10.

However, there are many other poor families whose children "did not have an overly materialistic Christmas."You can check with your church, which can help your family in giving.