Keeping the season unconditionally merry
I spent almost ten minutes learning what hatchimals are. Not having cable television keeps us out of the loop, but we like it that way. It was strangely unsettling to learn about the silliness of hatchimals though. They are toys yet they are introduced as a companion that ‘feels’ and the programmed noises are there to prove it. Children are supposed to ‘care’ for them by rubbing them this way and that, tapping and tilting them until the glowing eyes shine a certain colour. True to life indeed (not).
I had no clue about the extent of it until a recent news story exposed the craziness. The Canadian-made toy sells for $80 normally but the early-emptied shelves made the internet hatchimal commerce explode. One toy can be as much as $700. Many parents are distressed that Christmas morning will find their little one without a hatchimal, and they think the internet dealers heartless.
The loss of perspective is troubling. There is a lot to fight for when it comes to our children, yet buffing up the ‘I want it no matter what!’ feature is not one of them.
We are fortunate beyond belief to have the space and time to think about the season and plan for it. Togetherness is something to behold. The toy craze takes away much from it though. It takes away from the awareness that there are so many children who cannot think of a gift list because their most ardent one is to have their parents with them or (any) food on the table. When the basic vital needs are missing…