Granted, it is a subtle line: doing the right thing because someone will not bring you toys if you don’t and doing the right thing to become a better person. But at the time of the year when the world refocuses on a dialogue of peace and harmony among all people, do we want to emphasize to children the only reason to do the right thing is because Santa won’t bring us presents if we are bad?
Do we want them to accept a life where someone is watching us and reporting all of our transgressions to a higher authority?
I thought that was old school. Our grandmothers taught good behavior that way. After all “… He sees you when you’re sleeping//He knows when you’re awake.” In the olden days, many faith traditions ‘encouraged’ good behavior with fire, brimstone and the threat of damnation if base human frailties could not be subdued.
I believe New Age leaders like Deepak Chopra when he speaks optimistically about the evolved higher consciousness of the world. Part of this elevated state involves continuing to focus this holiday season less on commercialism and more on good will to all.
In this busiest of seasons, let’s put the pieces together for our angels. I will try to go the extra mile and find teachable moments for children, rather than letting an elf spy on them.
“So be good for goodness sake!”
© Jane F. Collen December 6, 2023 IndexCardCure.com™ be good for goodness sake!
IndexCardCure™ 
If only we did focus on some of the better parts of the season… I actually decided to check out this blog because I was in Joann Fabrics yesterday and what did I see? Believe it or not, Elf on the Shelf has been commercialized into an entire line of Christmas decorations spanning multiple aisles. Yikes!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, “we the people” have allowed commercialization/ consumerism to take over. I have tried to always favor creating memories during this time of year. Now that I am an empty nester that desire has heightened. We do have the power to vote with our pocketbook. 🙂 Thank you Jane for reminding us that this being conscious, aware allows us to make choices that we are more aligned with. Peace to all!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I so appreciate your comment. Yes – I’m joining you in focusing on creating memories with the ones we love. Cherishing our adult children brings everyone together making Holiday Magic.
LikeLike
Thank you so much for your comment! I treaded carefully on this subject – but as you saw, the Elves are taking over!
I passionately want to use the season as a reminder that kindness and understanding, even on line at the grocery store, should be the focus, not buying a knickknack for a ‘good’ child!
LikeLiked by 1 person