I grew up with Christmas. My Jewish partner Sonja celebrates Hanukkah. My stuff loving son Zachary gets plenty of attention in this gift giving time of year. I'll bet if I didn't give him a gift he wouldn't even notice. Our house is over-run with stuff. It may or not be as over-run as the average American's house, but it is over-run. We usually balance out by donating the toys from his earlier days; you know, the ones that he probably doesn't notice. Yet, there is still a flow of incoming and outgoing, used resources, and time management. Here is the problem. I love his love for stuff. I remember as a 10 year old waking up with my brother Joe on Christmas morning and sneaking into the living room. Next to the tree were two spanking new red bicycles. Goose pimples burst on to my arms. I've been chasing that feeling ever since, although, not always through consuming. I see that same kind of enthusiasm for toys in Zach, and I see the value in a great toy. The story he can create with a toy race car shapes his character. His agility gained from riding a bike strengthens his body and his confidence. He wants a toy gun (anybody else out there struggling with this boy-gun thing?), but I'd like to get him something that challenges his brain. I can spend the time googling and researching, but I have this film to promote and this discussion is a way to do that. I'll bet someone can hook me up with a great gift suggestion. One that honors the limited resources of Earth. This can be an exciting discussion as others may take you up as well. The blue comment button below is for your participation.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
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3 Comments:
I love the idea of giving Zachary a homemade gift that comes from your hands and your heart instead of a store.
Helo Gene, I agree with Sonja. I've raised three boys (grown) and the most gratifing gifts have been hand made, both ways. For the gun issue just be honest. Kids will use their fingers if they haven't a toy. Demonizing doesn't explain their place in history, good and bad. Mazeltov and heartfelt joy for your beautiful family on this holiday and the release of your film
Hi Gene,
I am the designated family massage therapist. That's my home-made gift. This makes me popular when I show up with my chair. Giving an experience is low on the consumerist totem pole. I'm actually a Certified Massage Therapist but never wanted to do it professionally. If I did I would have called it, Keep-your-clothes-on-massage. So I become quite the popular guy when I show up with my massage chair.
Recently, I have gone back to watercolor landscape painting. I dug up some old sketchbooks of painting I did in Hawaii. I used one of the sketches to make a painting and this made a personal gift. Oh, yes, and I am writing a story for my niece who is six. A story with the child's own name might be a hit. I'll let you know.
Christopher at slowdownnow.org.
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