Posted on: Sunday, December 26, 2004
Maybe spirit of Christmas is getting through
By Ka'ohua Lucas
"Ooooo ... I want this, Mom," my 10-year-old said, brightening up and holding a 2-foot plastic model of a helicopter.
"Christmas is right around the corner," I reminded him as I scanned the Lego section of the toy store. "We are here to pick up presents for your cousins."
"OK, how about this?" he said, hoping the less-expensive price tag might persuade me to buy it.
"What did you not understand of what I just said?" I asked.
He looked at me sullenly and returned the Spider-Man action figure to its hook.
Every Christmas season it's the same thing: "I want this. Give me that."
I am baffled that my youngest buys into the whole idea of holiday consumerism.
I try to reflect on my own upbringing. My parents never went overboard for Christmas. Santa Claus usually bought one present for each of us, and (darn it) we were thrilled!
My mom kept us in check. "Christmas is a time of giving. We need to remember the less fortunate during this holiday season." Her words are constantly on my mind when this time of year rolls around.
I, too, preach the same message to my own children. But for a 10-year-old, "giving" is not the first idea that comes to mind.
At least that's what I thought until one evening, the two of us were watching the 6 o'clock news.
The lead story described an Island man who was in critical condition at the hospital as a result of a diving accident.
The newscaster encouraged viewers to donate money to help defray his medical costs.
My youngest was extremely moved by the story. "Mom, that is really sad," he said. "I want to help him."
"Well, what is it that you want to do?" I asked.
"I'm going to give him the money I've been saving to buy a video game."
I was stunned. "Are you sure?" My youngest seemed to be the least likely to give up his savings. This is the kid who will spend his birthday money in a heartbeat on GI Joe action figures and PS2 games. I was surprised that the news story had such an effect on him.
I seized the moment and encouraged him to write a letter.
The next day, I converted the $50 he planned to donate into a cashier's check and mailed it along with the note.
As we drove home that evening, I asked what compelled him to give it all away.
"I think this was a worthy cause, Mom," he responded thoughtfully. "I saved the money over time for something special like this."
I guess my message about "giving" did not fall upon deaf ears.
Reach Ka'ohua Lucas at Family Matters, 'Ohana page, The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; fax 525-8055; or at ohana@honoluluadvertiser.com.
