Wednesday, December 21, 2011
It’s Not About the Gifts
Hey everybody, we are just a few days away from Christmas, and there is much work to be done. I’m not talking about shopping and gift wrapping. I’m talking about work on our teens. So far, as I have traveled from place to place, and interact with young people, what I have observed is a huge amount of ingratitude.
I am amazed at the high level of pure selfishness I see in our teens. They all but tell you what to buy them, and continue to want an updated account of their gift and its progress into their hands. It’s irritating.
I gave a gift and the teen critiqued the gift in front of me, and then asked for something else. I have a new policy. In the future no gifts are to be given to those who receive them poorly. It saves on the aggravation of dealing with the teen’s bad attitude, the haranguing and the complete lack of gratitude displayed.
I’m sure your teens aren’t nearly this selfish, but before Christmas day go over some simple rules with your teen on how to graciously accept gifts.
Teach them to:
1. Always say thanks. (whether they like the gift or not)
2. Never critique the gift in front of the giver.
3. Never ask why they didn’t get something else.
4. Never run and get something to give the giver as a gift, because they feel guilty for not giving someone a gift.
5. Smile.
6. Never give gifts to receive gifts in return.
7. Please write thank you notes. Please.
Gift giving is easy. Receiving gifts is an art.
Remind them that a gift isn’t required it is an inadequate expression of love, and gratitude. Tell them to accept all gifts, big and small with a pleasant smile, and a loud thank you.
Are there any rules I overlooked? Write back and let me know.
Merry Christmas!!!
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