Hey all,
Last Saturday, I gave a birthday party for my grandson who lives with me. It was the very first time that I had given a birthday party myself, although I have helped with a few in the past couple of years.
Before the party, my best friend kept the birthday boy for a few hours. She took him to WalMart to buy his birthday present (let him pick it out), but she told me the whole time that he was saying, "I wish I could buy that for Hannah. I wish I could buy that for Annabelle. I wish I could buy that for Mom."
At his party, a couple of people gave him money. So since his Mom's birthday and his cousin Annabelle's birthday were both last week, I asked him if he wanted to take his money and go buy them presents. He was delighted!!
So yesterday we went to WalMart and he bought Annabelle a toy and his mom a candle (he smelled every candle in the row to find just the right one). Then we went to Annabelle's party, and he was so proud to see her open his present. I also picked his mom up for the party (I'm making dinner for her today) and he gave her his present. He even bought a card and signed it himself (he's 6).
My point is -- the traditions of special days that most people have in their lives are not so much about getting (if they're done properly). They are about learning how to give!
I don't know how many times I have heard the comment that Witnesses are "tight" or "selfish". While that certainly is not the case with all Witnesses, the fact that it seems to be prevalent tells me this: People need the life lessons in giving that birthdays and other holidays provide.
Teach your kids to give by giving them the opportunity to receive and to give. When they receive, they learn how good it feels. That makes them want to give to others.
Just my 2 cents.
Pax,
Nana Ruth