KALEIDOSCOPE

Although my children and step-children are adults, my husband and I still ask them to put together a Christmas wish list.  The children have vastly different personalities that range from “I don’t know what I want,” to “anything dragons and Twilight books,” to “I want a laptop (in a specific color) and collector trucks,” to “You and Dad should put aside your differences and all of you chip in to buy me a voice amplification system.”

My husband and I have never hid our monetary situation from our children, so I find it interesting that some of our children have no clue about how to ask for presents in times where money is tight.  We have set about a $20.00 - $25.00 spending amount on each of the children.  It is difficult, however, to find presents for that price.  If you are trying to shop on a tight budget, here are a few suggestions.

*Paper back books

*Magazine subscription

*Movies

*CDs of favorite groups or musicians

*A themed basket (If you put it together, it is much cheaper than the pre-packaged ones they sell in many stores.  Creating your own also allows you to choose things you know the people like.)

-A collection of coffees & cookies

-A variety of popcorns for the microwave and & movie

-A bucket and car washing supplies

-Kitchen tools / pans and a brownie mix

*Experience gifts

-movie tickets

-live community theater tickets

-concert tickets

-sporting event tickets

There are a wealth of ideas for under $25.00 that will allow you to stay within your budget.

As I sat in the audience for the winter theatrical production where I teach, I looked around to see the space filled with more students than parents of students.  The show, as all of the ones at our school are, was wonderful; a fabulous comedy called Shakespeare in Hollywood.

I would like to thank all parents who actually support their children in their extra curricular choices.  You are helping your child become a well rounded individual.  You are your child’s support and strength, and you have a bond with your child.

I am, however, more in awe of those students who get involved on their own without any type of support at home.  The students who come to school and work to succeed and get involved while their home life is wrought with arguments and emotional abuse, where the parent says “That’s a stupid thing to be interested in,” rather than saying “That’s awesome that you were cast in the play,” even though they have absolutely no interest in theater.  My hat goes off in respect of the students who work hard during the school day, go to rehearsals or sports practice, and then go home to a house where they are expected to watch their brothers and sisters, make dinner, wash dishes, do the laundry, and various other so called chores.

To those of you students who fit this mold, I would like to give you a standing ovation.  Congratulations in your endeavors and keep reaching for the stars.