Just in time for Christmas Microsoft introduced its new video game console, the $300 Xbox. Also in the race for our shopping dollars—Nintendo’s new system—the $200 GameCube.  Both compete with Sony’s Playstation and Playstation2, already gracing 33-million American households.

            With a giant like Microsoft dedicating half a billion dollars to promote its style of Christmas, its notion of what’s important in our lives, how can Christian parents compete? And that’s only one of the corporations telling our children Christmas comes from a store.  Total advertising expenditures run around $135 billion each year in America, more than one-quarter spent between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

We can’t completely insulate our families from the culture, but we can refuse to be taken in by the false glitter of consumerism.  We can offer our children what truly fills and delights the heart.

No matter how many toys on their wish list, what kids really want, toddler to teenager, is a sense of belonging and security, and a feeling of value gained from using their own gifts. Over the years we’ve developed a Christmas tradition in our family that attempts to provide this. 

            We begin Advent with a critical look at the calendar, slashing without mercy all but the most necessary commitments. Then each person chooses one fun activity, like a game night with hot chocolate, a special movie, or snow sledding. These plans are scheduled along with the school program, decorating the tree and Reconciliation Service.  Everyone must participate with no complaints.  Over the years the children have made unique choices that celebrate their talents or preferences, and even I have learned to show enthusiasm for projects that are not my favorite.  We’ve enjoyed drawing cartoons, a family concert including varying levels of band instruments, a twister tournament and ice-skating. It gives everyone something special to look forward to besides presents.  We often schedule the activities in late-December to lessen after-Christmas-letdown.

             Another way to avoid mindless consumerism is to shop for the needy in your community. Hats and gloves are appreciated at the homeless shelter.  Since even President Bush is urging us to buy, buy, buy this year, look for ways to spend and still be in solidarity with the majority of humankind who don’t have the luxury.

·        Buy environmentally friendly local products that help your neighbors earn a living wage—books from an independent bookstore, handcrafted furniture, organic produce or pottery at a farmer's market.   

·        Support musicians and artists by attending concerts and buying art. 

·        Eat at local restaurants and leave a big tip. Give gift certificates for house cleaning, tree pruning, massage, or yoga.

·        Shop for handcrafts from developing countries sold through organizations which guarantee workers a just wage for their labor and skill. 

Industry analysts say video games have pre-empted low-tech fun like Monopoly and Scrabble. Will we let them take Christmas too? Let’s not trade the riches of relationships and the joy of creativity for the empty twinkle and tinsel of the latest contrivance money can buy.
©Mary Cronk Farrell