Happy Children's Day! (And why I panicked. A little.)

I almost forgot about Children's Day until photos of appreciation flooded my Facebook feed.
In most of these photos, I see my friends' children with tonnes of gifts.
Mostly from the teachers and the childcare centre, some from friends.
Then in a group chat with my friends, we talked about how extravagant the gifts have become.
Especially those from the parents. They sure put in a lot of effort, and money.
Lunch bags.
Wooden Toys.
Even a kid camera.

As I was reading the texts in a little corner of my room, I can't help but feel a little nervous - What am I going to give J's classmates in future?
I know it's way too early to concern myself over this but this concern is real.
If it is already of this high standards now, how about a few years later?
Will I be that cheapskate mom who gives just candies? Opps. No sweet stuff.
Or how about useless homemade stuff?
And I just remembered I can't even bake. (-_-;)

I'll be honest and say I feel the pressure now.
I'm sorry to assume (Dang. I just said I wouldn't judge.) but it seems like expensive gifts = good gifts, and simple inexpensive gifts = hmmmm...

In the past, Children's Day was all about having no school, (yay!),
dressing up the day before, (double yay!)
and a whole day of cartoons on TV (oh YES!).
We got little souvenirs from school and they are usually stationery, and that's about it. But we were happy. Happiness was THAT simple and not measured by the value of the gift.*
I'm not sure what it will be like a couple of years later, and perhaps I should take a chill-pill and not fret till then.

Actually, I don't even think that presents are necessary on Children's Day. I think it should be a day when the kids get to get a break from the stressful schoolwork (it's crazy nowadays I know), play more, get more cuddles and kisses from the family, and just, be kids. I hope J will agree with me on that in future. I know I'd be tempted to get her gifts and treats, but I would also want to teach her that it's not always about the gifts. In fact, on any special occasions, it should never be about the gift or its value, but rather the thought behind it.

I feel like such a party-pooper to be saying this on Children's Day so let me make up for it.
If you are reading this, (if anyone is), go celebrate your inner child.
Get a lollipop, or two.
Kick that puddle of water, or that pile of fallen leaves on the ground. You know you want to.
You deserve this day too.

Happy Children's Day!



*I used to give my not-so-little kids, little items like pencils on Children's Day or as rewards. One year, I get very good response, "We get presents on Children's Day too?" Two batches later, I get "Ohhhhh... pencil only?" Granted they are teenagers and young children would probably not react this way. But you see where I'm getting at? I know of a few young children who gets so many gifts that they don't seem to even appreciate the thought behind it anymore. It's scary.