Mike, I think this is what drives us, if we let it. I have a habit of getting a little down during the December holidays do to the crass over consumerism. I get out of it by doing something for others or with the church or by reading the story of the nativity to a child. When my children were young I made a big deal of lighting the Advent candle and reading from the gospel. Even on Christmas morning we'd read form the Bible and say a prayer before opening presents. The kids also knew that pouting about what they didn't get or not being appreciative of a present was not acceptable behavior. We tried to emphasize that the gifts were merely symbols as tokens of love and not he be all and end all of the season.
Subject: Re: tips digest: October 22, 2003 From: Michael Lee <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Thu, 23 Oct 2003 15:32:42 -0500 (CDT) X-Message-Number: 35
Hi Herb,
I agree with you 100% That's exactly what I was trying to convey. That events like halloween have merely become cultural traditions that rarely reflect the original meaning or significance of them. At the same time, the day one celebration is over, whatever it is, you walk into any store (Wal-Mart) and they are already preparing us for the next. The other problem, as you point out, is that it is often difficult for many of us, myself included, to celebrate Easter, Christmas, etc., and pass down the spiritual significance when we are of a secular orientation. So, what drives us? As you say, mass consumerism!
If we are to overcome mass consumerism WE have to take steps to do so. WE have to be the ones to pass down the meaning and try to teach our progeny values we hold dear. It's not easy and it's an uphill battle. However, I always say if you want an easy life then don't be a parent.
I guess I'm up to $0.025 now.
--
Herb Coleman
Instructional Technology Manager
Adjunct Psychology Professor
Austin Community College
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
512-223-3076
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* Every action has a connected and directed * * pre-action. *
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-Herb Coleman after seeing "Bowling for Columbine"
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