Christmas Gifts

One evening last week I read a message with my children from a church leader on ways to keep Christ at the center of our Christmas celebration.  He suggested reading scriptures, listening to the words of sacred carols and sincere acts of love.  In an effort to reach out and show love, I had gotten a catalog from heifer.org and asked the children if they would like to pick out an animal to give to a family in need as a Christmas gift.  The flock of chicks or the hive of bees were very reasonable but my children picked a sheep, one of the more expensive animals.  In that moment I felt an inner conflict with my own selfishness. Here I was trying to teach my children to be unselfish but it was more than I was hoping to spend.  Yet they both agreed and were determined and united in their choice, so we bought a sheep.  It hit me later how appropriate their choice is for Christmas.  Christ is the Good Shepherd and it was the shepherds who first heard of Jesus’ birth.  I was humbled by my children’s choice and reminded that it was the widow who gave all that she had that was honored by the Savior, not those who gave from their plenty.

Giving of our love, our time, our help and also our financial means to those in need will bring us the most joy at this Christmas time.  Jesus Christ gave his all when he came into this world and then atoned for our sins.  We will find peace, happiness and fulfillment as we also give our all, or our very best. The gift I’ve been trying to give my kids throughout this entire month is the gift of a mom who doesn’t get upset or yell.  While they will most likely remember the dolls and books they’ll unwrap more, watching the way I talk to them has brought an added measure of peace and joy into our home as I continually try my best to give this gift of love to my children.

One of my more memorable Christmas experiences was when I was 17 and the group of girls my age at church decided to do a sub-for-Santa project.  We painted a nativity set, made ornaments, put together a Christmas dinner, wrapped toys and bought light bulbs since the mother had mentioned they needed them.  Then one evening we took it over to this very kind woman and her three sons, all of whom were so gracious and sweet.  I will never forget the look on the youngest boy’s face when we screwed in some light bulbs and they actually had light in their house.  He was overjoyed with something so simple and it pierced my heart.  It was a humbling experience to reach out and help someone and be reminded of the many blessings I was taking for granted.  

My three-year-old recently told me of a conversation he had with a friend of mine. She told him that sometimes you can go see Santa and sit on his lap and tell him what you want for Christmas.  I have never before asked my children what they want for Christmas but I looked at my sweet boy and asked, “So what would you ask Santa to bring you?”  

“New gloves.”

“You already have gloves.”

“A new ball.”

“You just got a new ball and bat at Easter time.”

“No, a new ball for [his baby sister].”

“Well then it would be for her and not you.”

“Mmmm….I want a…..a……”

Pause.

“Maybe I just won’t ask for anything.”

I smiled at him and inwardly jumped up and down that he would reach the conclusion on his own that he has everything he needs.  When we attended a Christmas activity and saw Santa, my children went and talked with him but my daughter just repeated what she heard the boy ahead of her say to Santa and my son didn’t ask for anything.  He just smiled at Santa and my heart smiled too.