Christmas Time

I was a bit disheartened after logging into facebook yesterday and reading on a friends status about how much better Christmas is when you have kids. “What?!” you ask.. Don’t get me wrong, I fully agree, but the statement went on to say something like watching them rip through their presents. The way the thing was worded brought to my mind images of little children squealing at all the gifts under the tree, tearing open all the packages, and casting them aside in search for another present to open. True we all love receiving things.. I mean honestly who doesn’t? And it is a wonderful thing seeing the twinkle in your child’s eye on Christmas morning as they rub the sleep out of their eyes and realize Santa has come. But it made it sound as if they were very greedy, and Christmas is about so much more. It’s about family and togetherness… and the gift of giving. My son started out the Christmas season by announcing to me that he wanted to leave a present for Santa this year. What a cool idea, I thought. The kid loves to give. He also informed me that he wanted to buy a present for a little kid whose mommy couldn’t afford to buy presents for him. Another wonderful idea! If money wasn’t an option everyone would have amazing store bought presents.. I would have a robot that does all the housework. But money is an option, and I actually think that that makes Christmas even more special for us. We can’t just go out and buy whatever we’d like to for our loved ones.. so we make them presents. And he loves it, so do I. In making gifts for others, we give ourselves the greatest gift.. quality time with one another. He told me the other day that we were “making great Christmas time memories.” And I hope we are. I try to avoid the hustle and bustle and enjoy each moment with him because time is flying fast. He is five already.. and soon, I fear, he wont want to make cookies with mommy, or stay up all night watching movies and fall asleep to the twinkling of the Christmas lights. So anyway this year, we made presents for everyone. I know some who we made them for will read this, so I wont put what they are. I will, however, say that it was a very fun project, that he did 95% on his own. It wasn’t rushed.. time and thought went into each shape, and color that each person would receive. And they can be reminded of how special we think they are each Christmas when they see them. Of course he had fun shopping for presents too.. my mother took him shopping for my present, and he had a great time with her. And after he wrapped it he had to tell me he made it extra special because he put two bows on it. And it is extra special too because he wrote on it himself. And I know he is very excited about all the packages under the tree dressed in festive paper, ribbons, and bows. Especially the one from his most favorite stuffed animal. Upon seeing it he said he wanted to make her a present too. He is counting down the days until Christmas when he can open them all, and mommy will spend the whole day playing with him and his new toys. But we, as parents must find a balance between this and teaching our children that giving is just as fun. So I try… and I think perhaps I have succeeded… even if he does want toys for Christmas and not underwear. But then, what would you rather have? My child has always loved doing special things for people. Like the time he and I had surprises waiting at home for my mom on her birthday/retirement day when she got home from her last day of work. And I think he’s more excited about my birthday than I am. He’s never been one to open presents that weren’t his, and loves passing out presents to Mom and Gram on Christmas morning. I was reminded time and again how important this lesson of giving was this year, and happy to see it blossoming in my child. For example.. the other day going into one of those huge chain stores that carry everything and then some, except the kitchen sink, we saw a lady about seventy years his senior. It was very frigid.. the kind of cold that soaks into your bones. She stood there, ringing her bell.
“Mommy,” he asked “what’s she doing?”
“She’s collecting money for people who don’t have any, so they can have food, and blankets and things.” I answered.
“Oh,” he said “well can we give her some?” he asked.
So I dug around in my purse and found my wallet, took out some money and folded it up. I placed it in his hand and we walked over to her. He went up and placed the money in the basket. When we were walking up she looked tired, cold, but as she watched this little boy place money in the bucket, and then quickly turn to wish her a Merry Christmas she perked up a bit.. a little twinkle in her eye and a smile on her lips.
“Merry Christmas,” she told him “and thank you.”
“You’re welcome” he turned and said as we entered the store.
I was reminded again of his thoughtfulness the other day when he announced to me that he wanted to wrap up presents and give them to Jesus on his birthday. And then of course there is the small square of wrapping paper on the tree itself because it is too little and might get lost underneath. It is folded in quarters, and inside is a chip crumb.. a present for the germs he says. If it were up to him everyone would have a present on Christmas. Being his mother, I of course, think he is the greatest gift of all.