Monday, December 26, 2005

Christmas Day and the Corrupting Nature of Indulgence

Yesterday we had our extended family over for gift exchanging and dinner. The group, all four generations, had a great time but I noticed something that was a little disturbing. I guess it should have been expected behavior from my grandsons but still it made me think. These boys, ages 6 and 3, are really great kids. They are generally courteous, obedient, kind, and considerate, as they were for the most part yesterday. This year my wife and I only bought them each one gift. Our thinking was that these two princes are among the most privileged people on earth. Perhaps not in monetary terms, though there is no suffering on that score, but because they are beloved and to a degree pampered by their entire family. I might add that their family consists of six uncles, two aunts, two grandmothers, one great grandmother, one grandfather, and one great grandfather, and finally two cousins. All living in the same town. So to my mind they are extremely fortunate, they have everything that really counts in life and lot more that is less important.

Their disappointment at the paucity of gifts was palpable. This despite the fact that during the morning they had been showered with gifts by their adoring parents. Of course at our house with expectations based on prior years there was bound to be disappointment. Is their reaction a reflection of our society in general?

Its a cliche to report on the culture of selfishness and narcissism that is the United States, but as in every stereotype their is a grain of truth so it is with cliches. Why else do our returning wounded soldiers get letters purporting to be from school children saying "Die soldier"? Why else do enviro-terrorists feel free to destroy the property of those they disagree with? Why else do atheists want all religion destroyed except for their non-religion? Why else do members of PETA go to ridiculous lengths to intimidate humankind into denying their humanity and heritage? Why else does NARAL use the idea of privacy rights to allow murder? The list of similar questions can cerainly be expanded.

As I consider my lovely grandsons I wonder where they will drop out along the spectrum of ideas. How will your children or grandchildren fare?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Unfortunatly I think this is the ultimate outcome of our generations to come. No longer do we cheerish memories of being together at holidays with family members who may not be around for much longer. Rather we have individuals who want what is best for themselves. Gone are the days when the entire world shuts down to be with an entire family, but rather try and make memories for themselves by what they percieve to be a new tradition rather it is the farthest thing from that, since one tradition is not created by breaking another.

Anonymous said...

Unfortunatly I think this is the ultimate outcome of our generations to come. No longer do we cheerish memories of being together at holidays with family members who may not be around for much longer. Rather we have individuals who want what is best for themselves. Gone are the days when the entire world shuts down to be with an entire family, but rather try and make memories for themselves by what they percieve to be a new tradition rather it is the farthest thing from that, since one tradition is not created by breaking another.