I want to wish you a Merry Christmas. My favorite Christmas was as a 10-year-old girl. My dad was a school teacher, and we had at least 6 kids by then. We didn’t get many presents that year. I was old enough to realize we were poor and tried to put on a happy face so that mom didn’t feel any worse than she probably did for our meager gifts.
After we’d opened up presents, my mom left to visit a family in our church that had just emigrated from Nigeria. They had a large family like ours and were new to the area and didn’t know many people. Mom came back from visiting them and gathered us together. She told us that the Makani family (I’ve changed names) had NO Christmas at all—no tree, no gifts, no anything. She asked us to pick one of our own gifts and wrap it back up to give to one of the Makani children.
I will confess that I was quite upset by my mom’s request. I looked at my box of cherry chocolates, clothes that were obviously from a second hand store, and cheap nick nacks, and didn’t think I should have to sacrifice one of my presents. I’d barely gotten anything myself.
Not the greatest attitude.
So I picked my least favorite gift and wrapped it up, probably griping all the while. Mom and Dad got a small tree together with some decorations and then we kids took our gifts and went to deliver Christmas to the Makani family.
When I saw those children’s faces light up with joy at our simple gifts, I felt conflicting emotions. I was suddenly grateful Mom had made us give up some of what we had. Those kids were so thankful and happy, which made me even happier. But I also wished I hadn’t been selfish and held back my best. I wished I had given something better.
I’ve never forgotten that Christmas and my feelings. That was my first taste of Giving, and it felt so good. I’ve received some nice gifts since then, and they do make me excited…but nothing compared to that intense feeling of joy I had when I gave from my small possessions to someone more needy. The secret to having the best Christmas ever is to GIVE away something that is a sacrifice for you. Giving empowers one with joy.
May you enjoy what you receive this Christmas, but also look for opportunities to give. Even if you have little, you actually have a lot when you count yourself. So GIVE of yourself not only this week, but throughout 2013. Make the world a better place, and be happier. Merry Christmas!
Char
What a great story, Char. And you’re right–it feels good to give. I used to have my boys do something similar (give up one of their gifts to donate), but for whatever reason, we got away from that. I still have them go through their closet once a year, clear out what they don’t often use, and then we donate it to a mission which loves getting kids’ stuff. And it makes my own kids feel good. Thanks for reminding me why we should all do this.
Have a great Christmas!
You’re an awesome Mom, Carrie. Your boys are lucky to have parents that care so much. Have a Merry Christmas (and enjoy all those yummy treats. I know I will).
Right back at you–on all counts.
A nice story. Sharing is so good. Merry Christmas.
Thanks for dropping by, Leona. Hope you have a fabulous Christmas with all those you love.
A lovely reminder of the true spirit of Christmas, which should be with us every day of the year. May yours be filled with love, joy, and peace.
Thanks, Jacqueline. Having the spirit of Christmas with us the whole year would make life grand, wouldn’t it? Enjoy your holiday and may inspiration and creativity fill you up for the new year.
The.perfect timing to share such an inspiring story. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Thanks, Ingrid. You enjoy that beautiful red rock country for me during your vacation.
Sweet truth. I love your heart.
Thanks, Lora Dawn!
What a great story about the true spirit of Christmas. This is the first year I’m officially having my kids give Christmas presents, whether they buy or make them. It will be interesting to see how they react when people open them.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
It’s so fun for kids to give presents. My son still loves buying cheap little gifts for his friend’s little sisters (that are 4 and 5) because they get so excited about those silly candy canes filled with M& Ms or whatever. He also loves Ding Dong ditching to leave their presents. He loves hiding behind a bush and listening to them open the door and see the present there.
Oh, that’s really cool!
What a lovely touching story! It’s almost 7.30am here on Christmas morning, the kids are still asleep, I’m typing quietly on the laptop in bed! Merry Christmas to you and your family…
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas Day, Vanessa.
What a beautiful story, Char. The spirit of Christmas is all about giving and this is a fantastic example of this.
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and have a Happy, Safe and Prosperous New Year
Thanks so much for the good wishes, Dianne. I hope you had a great Christmas too and have lots of success in 2013.
Great story, Char! Merry Christmas.
Thanks, Naomi.
I enjoy your blog immensely even if I don’t always leave my footprints. In appreciation I’ve awarded you the Blog of the Year 2012 Award. You certainly deserve it. You can get the information here. Congratulations!
http://moonlightenedshelves.wordpress.com/2012/12/27/blog-of-the-year-2012-award-thank-you/
Thanks, Jean. I will copy all the rules down to get a post out hopefully before the new year is upon us. Hope you are doing good.