Writer's Block: Million Dollar Smile

[aliki]

[Error: unknown template qotd]My parents didn't believe in teaching us such things, so we didn't have Santa, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairies, or even any Buddhist gods or anything like that. 

We learned early on that our parents worked hard to provide for us, that when they did get us gifts, they did so because they loved us. We never expected gifts and when we did receive them, it was only because we truly deserved it. 

Some people said they ruined a child's imagination...  but I think it made me love my parents so much more for all the contributions and sacrifices they made for me growing up. 

Oh, and I love this Calvin & Hobbes strip:

Comments

[filmstar.livejournal.com]

How has your own upbringing influenced your parenting choices with Santa/Tooth Fairy/etc?

[aliki.livejournal.com]

Brian is *BIG* into the Santa thing. If I had it my way, I wouldn't tell her about Santa at all, but I understand that it's a tradition he feels very strongly about, so I concede. If I had it my way, I'd tell her that the Christmas season is about spending time with ones you love, giving to those less fortunate than you, and helping those around you. This would include going together to the store and using money that would be given to her for Christmas to purchase gifts for homeless/less-fortunate families in our neighborhood, to assist at the soup Kitchen, to buy gifts for those you love. And not receive gifts from an old white guy who watches over your behavior and rewards you if you're "good".