It was 10 days before Christmas…….

This season brings about many feelings that overwhelm us and bring us to our wit's end.

We feel stressed as we scurry here and there, trying to find the perfect gift, for people we rarely see. Christmas comes as the third of four holidays, which begins with Halloween and culminates with the celebration of the new year. Christmas brings out the best and worst we can be. 

In early November, I talked to Lydia about making plans for Christmas, and that I wanted her to come up with a list of at least 15  names of people she wanted to give gifts to. I explained that because of limited resources, I wanted her to make her gifts this year. 

She only came up with a list of 9. 

Even though she was short of what I expected, I figured that once she got started, she would begin to think of more people she wanted to give to. She began making Christmas tree ornaments, and they were really quite beautiful, even though I may be a bit biased. 

I was proud of her, that she had put so much effort into the ornaments. One day she gave one of her handmade ornaments, to someone not on her list. That person went on about how much they enjoyed and appreciated the gift. 

Lydia was beaming.

 I knew then and there, she was bitten by the giving bug. Before long, she was giving her ornaments to all sorts of people who were not on her list. She subsequently, had to make more ornaments, which she didn't even seem to have a problem with. She had discovered the joy of giving. Giving to people for the pure satisfaction of the reaction you get.

She has since given away far more ornaments than she originally thought she would. 

With only 10 days left until Christmas, most of you are fighting crowds to buy last minute gifts for your friends and loved ones. Christmas is supposed to be about the birth of our Lord. 

Each year though we get farther and farther away from the true meaning of the holiday. It seems to be about how much stuff we get. Sadly, I have no control over others perceptions about the meaning of a holiday. 

Luckily though, I can still influence how my 13 year old daughter, looks at that day. 

So far, I think she has learned a great deal. It is very enjoyable to watch the surprise people display when they are given a gift, with no expectations of anything in return. And to watch my daughters face, while someone goes on about how much her gesture means, it causes me to smile in my heart. These are the moments that a parent lives for!

Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 16, 2022 at 10:33 AM

    I was one of those blessed with an ornament. It is front and center on the tree, along side her Grandpa H.'s- I adore it for it's beauty and the love behind it. Lydia has a beautiful soul; she's definitely one to be proud of! Love, Margaret

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousDecember 17, 2022 at 6:53 AM

    Lydia is indeed a special young lady. You are teaching her a wonderful thing by giving to others. So rewarding to see a smile on someone's face by taking the time to show someone you care! Love you all ! Aunt Sue

    ReplyDelete

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