As the Christmas season dawned upon us, I remember saying, in passing, that I could use a new laptop. But then I told my parents, “That’s too expensive. I really don’t need one.” So I asked for other things for Christmas—for instance, sheet music to Beethoven’s 5th piano concerto (“Emperor”) and Franz Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody (No. 2 in C-Sharp Minor). I asked for DVDs of the first and second seasons of The Office. I asked for a prayer journal. Well, I got all those things—and a laptop.
It feels really selfish to have so many possessions, in light of how many people don’t even have the bare necessities, let alone these entertainment devices. It feels especially selfish in light of Jesus’ teachings about wealth vs. poverty. (It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.) How do we reconcile our Christianity and our materialism? When we store up our treasures on earth, what happens?
(I confessed these feelings of guilt to my best friend back when I worried that my parents would get me the laptop for Christmas. She said, “If you don’t want it, I’ll take it.”)
I was speechless when I opened my big box last, and inside was the new laptop. (It is supposed to be my graduation present and my Christmas present and pretty much every birthday present till I’m 25. At least, that’s how Dad justified its purchase.) I am very undeserving. I don’t know quite what to do with it.
The rest of my Christmas was spent watching A Christmas Story, trying out my new knit stitch, having good long phone conversations with friends, and walking outside. Merry Christmas.
And you call me spoiled! Anyone that gets Beethoven’s 5th piano concerto (“Emporer”) when they already have the entire Methodist hymnal at their disposal is spoiled! My dad tells me that you actually have two hymnals in the UMC, a big and little one. Think of all the poor homeless kids that could use the sheet music as a blanket. Tsk Tsk.
I’m really happy for you. I can’t wait to see the computer…how are you going to get The Office Season 3 if it is on your old laptop?
Wait…you have friends other than me? When were you going to tell me this?
My teeth feel nice and filmy with my new whitening strips. Jealous?
If you don’t want it, I know somebody who does…
Thanks, Sarah, for such a nice Christmas. I’m glad we could all be together.
I also got a new laptop for Christmas! I never expected it, either. I thought I’d save and get a new one myself and slowly pay it off every month. But here I am, commenting to your entry on a new Sony Vaio.
I too felt very guilty. When some of my friends didn’t even get presents from their family this Christmas, here I am. However, I am not going to scorn this gift! My parents gave it to me in what I read as a gesture of goodwill and support of my writing.