How the Grinch Stole Christmas through Consumerism

Am I a Grinch?

Perhaps I am.

Some days I'm proud of my Grinch-y-ness because it means I haven't succumbed to the consumerism of the holidays. Other days I second guess myself and start wondering if I'm taking the joy and wonder out of the holidays.

For example, I see toy ads for some new toy--usually one with tiny little parts that I'll end up walking all over--and I think to myself, "There's no way I'm letting the kids get that toy." And it's not just the small parts; every toy is a collector's item and the kids just have to have all of them! And each one has to be bigger and better. By time the shopping is done, each kid has $300 worth of crap that will be a source of argument each time their room or playroom needs to be cleaned and the kids have loiterally played with it for 2 minutes before moving on to another toy.

Add "Made in China" to the whole argument, and I'm now a Grinch. I'm not buying toys made in China for the mere fact that almost 75% toys are made in China and, apparently, someone in China doesn't have a problem throwing some extra lead into the paint for a cheaper product. I refuse to support the Chinese toy industry for that reason in addition to my fear that, as a society, Americans have become less interested in their country's own economic security and more interested in CHEAP products. Perhaps if our toys cost more and we couldn't afford as many, our children would better appreciate what they do have.

Before I become a complete hypocrite, let me say that I am a product of consumerism. The first 4 years of my oldest daughter's life, I've been a big supporter of China. My children have too many toys and I can guarantee that at least 80% were made in China. I'm a work in progress.

Currently, there are more toys going OUT of the house than coming in. That's my ultimate goal, to pare down and stop buying so much. So far it's worked well; usually on birthdays, I'd buy 3-4 gifts for the birthday girl. This year, it was 2 small gifts. Some years it will be 1 big gift, like the bicycle my oldest dd will get for her 6th birthday because the bike she has is way too small.

We have always had the tradition of getting rid of a small trash bag full of toys before every holiday (and, at times, 2 bags). We will be doing that again this weekend but this time my goal is to get rid of at least 2 bags, if not 3.

Bargains, anyone?

I'm a huge bargain shopper. I buy on clearance all year long for birthdays, christmas, and other occasions. There was a year or two that I bought total crap, and I realize that now. I buy much less these days, especially if I'm not sure what purpose it will serve. I do still buy the day after Christmas--it has really saved us money on stocking stuffers, decorations, stockings, etc.

But now that I'm becoming more aware of where things are made, I will be making different choices this year the day after christmas. I'll still go--gotta love that high from shopping for bargains--but I'll be much more choosy.

For instance, I was at a local Toy Store/Teacher Supply shop and I found a puzzle MADE IN THE USA! It was $7.99 and I didn't hesitate buying one. Not to mention, this puzzle company replaces puzzle parts for free! Puzzles are a big hit in this house.

I'm still a grinch.

And yet, I'm still a grinch. In don't really WANT to buy things for Christmas; not because of the money, but because of everything it entails: a big mess, toys I thought the girls would play with but get tossed aside in minutes, supporting the import of foreign goods.

I know it's my responsibility to foster responsible consumerism in my children. So this year, as in years previous, we are making christmas ornaments and bags of cookies for family members and friends.

And I've cut WAY down on the presents. As a family we draw names (Secret Santa) and buy for one member of the family.

*********I need to plug this site: http://www.elfster.com/ **********************
Set up a secret santa for free! We forgot to draw at Thanksgiving and this is awesome!

Now if I can just convince their grandparents to cut down on the number of presents! LOL

Home made gifts with love

So far, we've made salt dough ornaments (some made with coffee for the color and scent) and cookies. Maisie and Dani made a memory tray for relatives at Home Depot and we added their handprints for decoration.

For the girls, I'm making special "car blankets" since the ones they have are old and worn. I'm making a rattle for Lily as well. I also made hair bows for stocking stuffers.