Happy children

Children who have what we would consider to be no material possessions, and live very poor lives, can be incredibly happy.   What does this say about us and our western society ?    When I see all the 'stuff' in shops aimed at Christmas shoppers, and hear children making extravagant demands of their parents, I sometimes feel physically sick, and feel like telling the parents to teach their children the difference between 'wants' and 'needs' !!   (I'd probably get arrested !)    

Then I look around my home ... I'm no different !   I have food aplenty in my freezer and  fridge; I have some new shoes, and clothes; I buy books on the internet; I have just got a blender for making soup.     But are our 'western' children with computer devices and expensive toys any more happy than these children ?   When I see these children playing in puddles, with sticks, stones and mud, and looking after each other, I sometimes doubt it.