I first heard the sarcistic version from Clark W. Griswall (Christmas Vacation) but it has also been used to sum up the sentiments expressed towards the ALCH board in their rush to close down the children's home in December---BOOOOOOO!!!!!
But in our own home this year, we are busily preparing for the giving of the Christmas season. We have always tried to get our children to see the giving as the most important part but year after year we fight with the materialistic side of the holidays. Dad and Mom say "Give, Give!" and the kids say, "Yeah, yeah, we get it." But then they continue to make out very extravigant christmas lists. I think they have a pretty good grasp on what is realistic in this household, however with the amount of consumerism that they are exposed to (which is very little compared to most children) they are still "consumed" with having stuff, stuff, stuff. We strive to instill within them the understanding of doing the best that we can and then saving money for those things that they HAVE to have.
I did torture my children by taking pictures for the family. Below is a preview, they did NOT appreciate laying on the ground for this picture:
