The holidays are filled with magic and even more so when we believe in Santa Claus. Writing Santa Claus letters, visiting him for keepsake photos and leaving cookies for him and carrots for his reindeers on Christmas Eve make the holidays much more enjoyable. I delight in seeing Jonathan and David smile each time they talk about the presents they will get from Santa Claus. When they are in line to meet him, their eyes sparkle.
As a child, I remember the joy of unwrapping presents, sticking my hand in the stocking to pull out another stocking stuffer, and playing with my new gifts. Today, the joy is replaced with Jonathan’s and David’s experience of the holidays. I’m so fortunate to have both of them and am warmed by the feeling of being a mother. I’m grateful to witness the joy they have for the holidays and the compassionate heart they have to give to others.
I took them shopping the other day to buy presents for a few children living in a foster care children’s charity. They understand that not all children live with their parents. They know that the children living at that home get as much joy in unwrapping presents as they have when they receive theirs. They were able to relate to the children because the boys’ wishes were the same as theirs: Lego Bionicles and Tech Deck toys. They picked them out and I took the toys to the home. Both of them were happy with their purchases and couldn’t wait for the boys to get them.
I believe this is part of the magic of the holidays–coming together as a community and giving to others so they experience the joy, too. Not only will my boys’ eyes sparkle when they unwrap their gifts, but I know that other children’s eyes will light up too. I think I’ll reward myself this year for keeping the spirit of Christmas alive in our home and enjoy the chocolate chip cookies left for Santa. I might just leave a glass of Merlot, too.
Guiding Lesson: Eve, you can start a new tradition. Why limit Santa Claus to just cookies and milk? Santa would enjoy a little spirit after working so hard, don’t you think? A cupcake would also hit the spot.
What an exciting time for you and your boys! This is a time of awe and wonder. A time to believe that all is possible and surprises are endless. This time of watchful anticipation continues to build as everyone prepares to give and receive not only the gifts you can see, but the gifts of God’s peace, God’s love and God’s joy that are treasures promised by the Divine and meant for all hearts. How do you prepare for this season so you are open to receive God’s precious gift? How do you pass this on to your boys? Is there room left in the midst of shopping and all the busyness?
It is wonderful that you are including your sons as you also remember those less fortunate. There is no better lesson than being an example of generosity as well as allowing them to participate in this. They will remember and it is the beginning of helping to expand their hearts for those around them. Eve, enjoy and be glad for you are blessed from above. Your generous heart and faithfulness to motherhood will enrich the lives of your sons that will be passed on to light the hearts of others. This is the good news. No more and no less.
Grace
MissGuidedMom 