What Happen to Christmas?

As the holiday season comes in full swing, many people get all hyped up for Christmas. Kids are excited about seeing Santa Clause and getting presents. Parents are excited about making their kids happy with lots of toys, along with baking delicious holiday goodies.. Even though Christmas isn't all about getting gifts, numerous people tend to see it that way. I guess the holiday season just isn't what it used to be. 

Presents, presents, and more presents. That's what kids look forward to. Kids don't care about helping others and spending time with family. All they want to do is play with their awesome toys. That's not what Christmas is about and parents nowadays don't even care that this is what they're teaching their kids. Many parents don't make their kids help out in a soup kitchen or donate one of their favorite toys they got to charity anymore. There are people out there that don't have anything, while kids are over here stuffing their face with gingerbread and playing with their new Xbox. I'm not saying that every person is like this however. Many parents still make their kids help out and give to charity, and not just around the holiday season. I applaud these parents because they're teaching their kids good morals, and not that material goods are all you need to be happy. If you have ever seen the look on a kid's face when they know they made someone else happy, you would exactly know what I'm talking about. Organizations such as the Salvation Army need your help and you don't have to donate your precious time by ringing the bell or anything. Something as simple as donating a couple of dollars can go along way, just watch this clip and you will understand.

Years ago, parents would force their kids to give to charity. Kids usually have a sour attitude at first but they eventually warm up to the idea because they know deep down that they're doing something good, which makes them feel good about themselves. If a child is raised in an environment where charity is something you do regularly, they're more likely to help out and give in their adult years. Many parents don't value that concept anymore. They don’t want to help out so why should they make their kids do it too? This kind of attitude is why we have charities and poverty in the world. Selfishness can lead to a chain reaction and doesn't help anyone in the long run. 

Word Count: 421

Christmas Shopping to the Extreme

In today's economy, people tend to have a strict budget with very little money to throw around. Every parent wants their kid to be surprised and ecstatic when they wake up Christmas morning to find that shiny red sports bike under the tree. Guys can't wait to see the thrilled look on their girlfriend's face when they hand them a nicely wrapped diamond necklace straight from Kay's Jewelers. Planning out how to get those sweet deals around the holidays can be both a blessing and a curse. Black Friday shopping and Cyber Monday perusing is one of the many ways to get that special someone the gift at the top of their wish list without spending a bundle. However, you could get those same deals throughout the whole month of December; as long as you can tell the difference between the good deals from the great deals. 

Having a tight budget doesn't make you poor, it just makes you normal. There are very few families out there who are financially set for life and you shouldn't feel ashamed about bringing in a coupon or a gift certificate. If you've ever seen Extreme Couponing, you would know what I'm talking about. They're not afraid to bring in a whole binder full of coupons, which explains why they're on the show Extreme Couponing. That's how businesses make money. On the contrary, you should feel proud when you hand the nice lady at the register the coupon you cut out of the paper. It shows the judgmental people around you that you're a smart shopper and know how to save a few bucks. Plus, you can do a lot with those few dollars you saved. Such as giving the extra money to a homeless shelter or someone in need. That way they can buy presents for their kids on Christmas day, just like you were trying to do. 

Before you go out shopping there are a few essentials you need to have. You need to have a list of things you need to buy; such as a list of presents for each of your friends and family. If you go out without a list in mind, you will end up buying more than you really need. Next, you need to have a clear budget in mind. Know how much you're willing to spend on each person. You don't want to spend twenty dollars on one friend and only ten on another. You should also have a set of stores in mind. No matter how much fun window shopping is, you don't want to buy something you think you really need when you don't all because you're in the shopping mood and have the money on hand.  

The most important thing you need to have before you go anywhere to shop, is some form of payment. Search through the ads in the paper for cut out coupons or any great deals you want to get in on. When you buy an item at a department store, they might staple a coupon to your receipt, in hopes that you return to their store soon. You never know what you'll find when you go through old receipts, so make sure to check there as well. Stores usually have websites where you can print off their coupons or have special deals going on online and in-stores. Many people don't know great deals are just a few clicks away. 

Christmas shopping can get pretty intense. All the deals and saving money can put a lot of strain on relationships, along with yourself. Don't let holiday shopping stress you out. No matter what you get your loved ones, they know that you love them. Christmas isn't about the presents, gifts, and money. It's about spending time with the people you love and as long as you try, they will love whatever you get them. 

Word Count: 648 

Santa's Lap Vs. Letter to Santa

Lap versus letter? This is the big question about Santa. As a parent, how would one decided which to go about perusing? Or is both acceptable? I can't speak for all those twenty and thirty something adults who have children around that age group, seeing as I'm still in high school, but I have been pondering this question for quite some time now. I know some parents don't approve of handing over their child to a complete stranger, let alone allowing them to get a picture taken with him. Plus many kids are terrified of the big guy. There are most definitely pros and cons to both; but in the end, which do you prefer? 

Most of the time, the kids get very little say in which way they get in contact with Santa Clause. Many parents like the tradition of getting their picture taken with the Santa in the mall, usually framing it and showing it off to the relatives. On the other hand, some parents don't feel comfortable with the mall Santa and would prefer a more distant relationship between their children and Santa. Another reason for the letters over the picture is because of the child's reaction. Seeing all those funny photos showing off Santa attempting to hold a crying baby may be fun to laugh about years later, but may be traumatizing for the kid. Ellen DeGeneres doesn't hold back when it comes showing off these wonderful screaming kids. On her talk show she does a segment called "Bad Paid For Santa Photos." These photos make some parents just skip the picture all together and stick to the letter. Better be safe than sorry. 

The letter on the other hand, does have it's pros and cons as well. Writing a letter to Santa can be much less of a hassle. You don't have to dress your kids up in those cute little outfits that they will probably hate and through a fit about later.  You don't have to trek all the way to the mall for your kids to scream while a nice lady is attempting to take their picture. You will save yourself from the embarrassment of your child still crying as you walk briskly out of the mall. Why put yourself through all of that when you could give the little guy a piece of paper and a pencil. Plus, if you drop off your letter in the big red mailbox in any Macy's Department Store, Macy's will donate $1 per letter to the Make A Wish Foundation. Knowing that your letter can help save lives in another incentive to write a letter to Santa. On the other hand however, many parents want their kids to face their fears and go see Santa in person instead of hiding behind a letter. It all depends on the family. 

Word Count: 473