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# Just say ‘no’ to Christmas bling
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/just-say-no-to-christmas-bling/
- Published: 2005-12-13T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-25T01:28:56.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Malibu, #archive-import

*By — Dorie*

Dear Dorie, I have two young children and I am worried about celebrating the holidays with excessive demands for “stuff.” Our relatives and friends are generous with their gifts and the kids seem to recognize that they can ask for specific items and get them just about every time. How do I control the madness? — Holiday Homemaker Dear Homemaker, First, I want to congratulate you for being sensitive to the consumer patterns of young children. Based on my experience, I’m guessing your kids are about 4 and 5 years old. In holiday toy terms, this translates to Bionicles, Neopets, Barbies and a number of other interesting toys. Dangerous stuff if you want to teach a message of love and generosity. It’s also just a tad early to get into the concepts of self-sacrifice and materialism. You can deal with those in a few years.

Let’s start with helping your children identify the season as one of giving, not one of receiving. You can do this with gentle verbal reminders when the holidays are brought up like, “Yes, the holidays are coming. What are we going to give to Grandma this year?” Then follow-up with personal, home-made gift items versus commercial purchases.

You also can try suggestions of volunteerism as well. Take a look at local senior centers and faith-based organizations for opportunities to socialize or donate to those in need. Check with your preschool for charitable commitments (toy drives or food drives) and include your children in the process. The message here is giving of self versus giving toys. They can handle this as well.

Finally, just say “no.” If they start emphasizing what they want and, my favorite, what they “need,” keep the answer a firm but gentle, “no.” Above all else, this example of moderation and control may teach them the most. Good luck. (Dorie Meek is director of the Infant & Family Support Program, provided by Saint John’s Health Center in partnership with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Meek answers questions concerning children ages birth to 5 years old. Submit your questions to “Dear Dorie” at, or call (310) 452-6132; fax (310) 452-6392).

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 13, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/121305.pdf?ref=smdp.com)