Parents angst

[Oscar Namechange]

I'm seeing a lot of facebook status updates of late from parents absolutely distraught that they have not enough money to buy their kids the latest whizz bang toy gifts.

One friend was clearly distressed that her children can only have one gift each this year.

[along-for-the-ride]

Sad Christmas

Christmas is a bitter day

For mothers who are poor,

The wistful eyes of children

Are daggers to endure.

Though shops are crammed with playthings

Enough for everyone.

If a mother's purse is empty

There might as well be none.

My purse is full of money

But I cannot buy a toy;

Only a wreath of holly

For the grave of my little boy.

—Earl C. Willer

These parents need to count their blessings. I hear time and time again about folks buying "Christmas", meaning "gifts". Is this what Christmas is all about? Don't try to live up to those commercials and movies that are constantly shown this time of year. Look at your own life and what you do have, and make a special Christmas memory of your own.

[Peter Lake]

I don't know weather i should pity them or tell them to get a grip with reality.