I have been having a difficult time getting into the Christmas Spirit this year. The month started out sadly when my dear friend, Pam Cook, lost her long battle with breast cancer. About a week later, another very close friend was diagnosed with stage-three lung cancer. It was about this time that I learned a high-school friend's two-year-old grandson is undergoing treatment for leukemia. My heart went out to all involved in the lives of these beautiful women and this young child. I felt as if a dark cloud had descended upon my shoulders and the only thing I could do to help, was offer my love and support.
I soon found ways to share these gifts with my three sisters, Lisa, Linda and Judy. Earlier this month when I spoke with each of them, I learned they were facing serious dilemmas in their own lives. I offered my support by discussing positive ways to solve some of their issues. Instead of buying meaningless gifts, I sent them each a small check to help with gifts for their grandchildren. I poured through my attic and closets and sent them packages of 'recycled gifts' to use in their homes or to share with others. Finally, I sent each one a specific gift that would bring them a happy memory from our past. As Christmas approaches, they have each found some resolutions to their problems and are looking forward to spending Christmas with their children and grandchildren.
Reaching out to others provided me with just the lift I needed to look forward to this coming Christmas. It also reminded me of a story I wrote in 2008, when I was given a gift that touched my heart and soul. It brought to light the true meaning of Christmas. I am sharing it now―
A Special Christmas Gift
From the time my grandchildren were toddlers and knew how to draw with crayons, they would pour over the many catalogs I received every November and mark page after page with the special toys they wanted for Christmas. I would spend time with each catalog, make a list of three or four of their favorite choices and promptly order them. However, that was not enough for Nonny (the name they all call me). I believed I needed to find some presents that they had not asked for; gifts they would truly love. I trudged from store to store and mall to mall in search of those extra special things.
The week before Christmas, I felt like a kid myself. I would lie in bed and envision the big smiles on their faces when they opened my 'secret surprises.' Unfortunately, I was often disappointed by their reactions. When Jim witnessed the extra stress I added to my life by my inane desire to come up with the 'perfect present' for each of them, he would try to persuade me to quit doing it. His advice fell on deaf ears. I was like a madwoman on a mission; a mission I would one day accomplish! I continued to believe that until the Christmas Eve when my granddaughter taught me the true meaning of Christmas.
On December 24, 2008, I could barely contain my excitement because Santa was making a surprise visit to our home at 6:00pm. Todd and his family arrived about 4:00 followed by Nathan, Jody and three very excited children. We gathered in the kitchen as we always do. Christmas music was playing, about four conversations were taking place at the same time and I was scurrying around pulling the last minute hors d’oeuvres out of the oven. All of a sudden, I felt a little tap on my back. I turned around to see beautiful, little Sophie standing there a small gift-wrapped box in her hand.
“Nonny, I have a present for you. Will you open it now?”
“For me?” I exclaimed as I wiped my soiled hands on a towel. "How very sweet of you Sophie. Of course I’ll open it now.”
I asked everyone to please stop talking and pay attention while I opened my present. When I opened the box, I discovered a beautiful little bracelet with silver tags with the words, 'Peace, Love and Joy' engraved on them. With tears in my eyes and love in my heart, I reached down and drew my lovely little seven-year-old granddaughter into my arms!
For years, I had been the person who was always trying to give my grandchildren the most magical gift of all. However, this year, my young granddaughter gave me the best gift of all. This beautiful gift was from her, and her alone. Although I did not know it, she had thought about it since the night we went shopping for a present for her mom. That night, on the way to my house on, she asked her mother to make a special stop at the store so she could buy it for me.
I slipped the bracelet on my wrist, kissed Sophie on the top of her head, and looked at all of the smiling faces sitting and standing around in my kitchen. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I realized that Christmas is not about running around trying to buy the biggest and the best presents. It is about love of family, the peace found in believing in God and the joy of sharing memories.
May you and your family enjoy the Peace, Love and Joy of the Christmas Season!
