As Christmas fast approaches, I was wondering as a grand parent of several grandchildren age assorted, what the appropriate gifts to give them would be. I am tired of giving the same old things; sometimes I don’t think the kids remember to take the checks out of the envelopes, and whatever I get them it never seems to be enough. They want more.

I don’t understand, more of what. As best I can tell they already have everything. But what do I know. I am just a caring grand parent who would like to see his grand children grow up with some sense of the need to give to other people and some sense of caring for other people that are less fortunate than themselves. I may be misguided, but I thought that was what the holidays were supposed to be all about.

Is it necessary to give a twelve-year-old girl the latest electronic gismo that can download and play music and probably fly her out of the room without an airline ticket for four hundred dollars? What was wrong with last years model, has it forgotten how to play music?

Does my thirteen-year-old grandson really need a new game that can show him how to kill off the bad guys using just his bare hands, and if so what is the purpose of all those loud explosions? Are they just there for emphasis? Is it games like this that have taught my grandson to play music at such a high decibel that when I visit I can no longer hear myself think? Maybe that is the purpose.

Then lest I am to be accused of neglecting the younger generation, what is the purpose of giving a nine-month-old baby a tennis outfit designed by a famous named designer? It doesn‘t even come with fashion proof diapers. Is this what the least, but most adorable amongst us has on his must have list? Oh. I forgot, he can’t write yet. My wife says I should stop acting like Scrooge, lighten up and start giving.

I have an idea, why don’t we get the grandchildren to work with us in picking charities or needy causes or needy people who we could give to instead of buying them or ourselves more stuff this year that won’t be any good next year. Let’s give something from the heart, where the thought may last forever. Let’s try giving someone else some pleasure and a very happy Christmas this year. I think it could take the stress out of Christmas, and put some of the joy of giving back in the holiday.

This is Arthur Levine wishing you a very happy Christmas and holiday season. To find out more about how to get rid of stress and act like a proper grandparent please access http://newmiddleagedgroup.blogspot.com.'

© Copyright Arthur Levine