My Needy Children

It's that time of year again. Boxes in church for food and clothing donations. Catalogues from charities touting gifts to support their causes. Craft fair and cookie cafe fundraisers. Toy drives. It is the time of year when we are most encouraged to help others.

But of course, the most desperate people of all are my own children as we walk them past the toy aisle at Target. "Mommy, I need more stuff," DD pleads. Soon, boxes of Diego snow rescue vehicles and Dora's twin siblings are coming off the shelves in twos and threes. No, no, I say, no more toys until Christmas.

They're two and they don't really remember that you get gifts at Christmas. DD eyes me suspiciously.

"That's right, we're not buying anything new until Christmas. But you can make a list for Santa of things you would like."

"But I NEED this," she cries. "I need Dora babies. I need Diego helicopter."

"No, sweetie, you don't need them. You want them."

Soon, DS starts in, "Tell Santa I NEED Diego. Tell Santa I NEED Diego."

They are chanting in unison, a ghastly consumerist carol, "I NEED it! I NEED it!"

It makes me want to give all their toys to tots and never go to Target again.