Tuesday, 16 December 2008

• Once Upon a Christmas Angel Tree...

  Guest post submitted by imchurchmouse

  

  I really enjoy celebrating Christmas, and I have to let you all know why- cause I've had some bad ones.  I don't want to depress anyone, but I thank God for home, warmth and for the ability to spend time with family in a happy way, instead of a desperate way. 

  I have learned that I don't need things to unwrap at Christmas to make it good.  I also know how to give the best things to others, cause I've gotten all that leftover stuff other folks put in the food pantry giveaway boxes. 

  I was a bit hurt to get that stuff, when I saw it was past due on the expiration dating.  But even that throwaway stuff made me more appreciative of the premium stuff when we were given it - so that is what I do now, put in the Welch's Grape Jelly instead of the store generic brand.  I put in the best of anything I can afford to, just cause I know someone out there will notice it - even the kids know the difference, and marvel when they get it.  Mine sure did. 

  When things got better, and I graduated from college with a means of supporting myself and my family, I began taking names of other kids to buy for - like folks had done for mine. 
  
  I  had no intention of buying a bunch of closeout stuff if it didn't fit the list of what the kids asked for, and if it wasn't the right size.  I have even seen items that were scuffed and soiled from being on the store floor put into gift boxes.  We'd had that happen, and I know whoever packed it up and wrapped it figured we were too poor to care.  They were wrong.  We cared.  We just weren't rude enough to complain.  We got to where we'd check and make sure the gifts were decent before we'd let the kids open them, though.  And we'd rewrap them.  They can hurt me, but they won't hurt my kid twice like that. 

  One year, I chose a tag that said- girl 6 years old.  Oh, I looked for those little girls, cause I had two sons - no daughters.  And I wanted the fun of buying more girl things.  I was a bit shocked when I saw what she wanted- a Game Boy. 

  Wow...I'd never even bought one of those for my sons - they both worked hard to earn the money to get one or they swapped with bored friends for one.  I prayed, looked at my finances and figured out that I could cut corners to give it a try.  I had some idea of what they cost; but I didn't realize that they don't come with a game. 

  I was a bit bummed until I saw a generic form of the Game Boy, and I could afford two games with the pricing!  When I got home, I proudly showed my younger son how I had gotten such a deal, and then I saw how quiet he was. 

  "Well, don't you think it's great that I could get her what she asked for?"  I asked. 

  "Well," he said carefully, "It isn't like you got her something she didn't ask for.  I mean," and here he still didn't look at me, "at least it's not a doll or something to wear." 

  I thought for a moment and said, "But...it's not a Game Boy, huh?" 

  He looked at me and shrugged but nodded.  "She'll still be disappointed, Mom.  She's just a kid.  But, you did try.  She'll understand it better later on, and she will still have something fun to play with."  Then he hurried off.

  Later, I spoke with his brother on the phone.  I told him about the tag, what it said, and about the prices I found at the store for Game Boys and one game suitable for her age.  Then I told him about the happy feeling I got when I found the generic one and noticed he was quiet, too. "What do you think?  Did I do good?" I asked. 

  "Well,"and he paused (just like I do, and just like his brother did), "I know it is a really expensive item and all, and that it's probably the best you can do right now."  I saw him trying to be loyal and helpful, and I was very proud of both my sons very very much at that moment. 

  "Well, I think your brother was right when he said she'd still be disappointed," I said.

  "Yeah," he admitted carefully.  "She will."

  Needless to say, that little girl got a real Game Boy with two games to put in it, and a note from me saying that she should be sure to share with any brothers or sisters as long as they obeyed Mom or Dad's rules about how to do it.  After all, those things are expensive!

  Happy Shopping, everyone!  And may you all find a way to give the best gifts you can, and may you see the best gifts you give and get, aren't really about the price tag, but the presentation.  Father God, thank You for being the first most generous Gifter of all Christmases there can be.  Thank you for giving us Your only begotten son.  Blessed Yeshua, thank you for leaving Heavenly places, to come to us and to wear mortal flesh.  Thank you for the things we learn by celebrating Your birth, and the different things that remind us to keep looking to You instead of the pleasures or distractions of this world, most of all.  Amen

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