The Gift

Grand Illumination, Santa Parades, Tacky Lights, Tree Hunting, Wrapping Paper, Hallmark Cards, Gingerbread Cookies and Hot Cider, Tinsel, Nativity Scenes, Extension Cords, Ugly Sweaters, Big Mouth Billy Bass, Egg Nog, Charlie Brown cartoon classics, Cinnamon, Candles, Red, Stocking caps and long winter naps is Christmas.

While some will pause for a moment of kindness most are hoping for ill-gotten gains.

If the Jolly Old Elf had been following your online feeds, he’d never need to leave the ever-shrinking North Pole. What would you do with a lump of coal in your stocking?

Seriously, this day is about giving.

What was your favorite gift?

“I got a dolly” “ I got a bike” “I got a train set” “I got a vacuum cleaner”

Not what was the favorite gift you received, for after a few minutes, you’d forgotten who gave it or it broke or was put aside looking for more treasures.

What was your favorite gift?

I (like you) have gone through the ritual of pressing through the crowds looking for that special something to take home, badly wrap, put under the tree and in the morning wait for the surprise.

Anything placed in a box and covered in paper sealed with a ribbon and a bow is a surprise when it is opened.

Did the receiver understand the meaning of the effort purchasing the gift for them or was it just polite response before getting into the return line?

I’ve given many gifts. Some were expensive and some were just an obligation. I’ve given gifts at the office to strangers. I’ve given gifts to family members without any thought.

Do you remember the gifts you received under the Christmas tree when you were sixteen? Me neither, but we all went through the family tradition of tearing off the paper and opening the boxes and squealing like it was the most precocious act we could perform to satisfy our parents before the ball game.

There are moments when you actually think of the special day and how you can present a gift that will never be forgotten.

I’m not talking about conception for that gift has already been used, thus the reason for the holiday.

What about that special gift that made a difference? That special gift no matter how big or how small, how costly or inexpensive made time stop.

Was it worth the effort?

One Christmas season, we were looking through a retail business that was closing down. We’d frequented the store multiple times but now the stock was starting to dwindle. We walked by the jewelry case and she looked at the rings. I tried to divert her attention but she was fascinated with one. I suggested the price was too high and found another distraction, then sneakily went back and pointed to the ring. “Wrap it up”. I paid for it and shoved it into my pocket without being noticed.

Don’t remember whatever else we bought that day, but I had to figure the best way to make this a ‘gift’. A small box with a bow would give it away. A big box with a small box inside might work, well maybe?

It had been a chilly winter and we were regaling ourselves in warm clothing while refurbishing the closet.

So with the scarves and knit caps and sweaters and socks, there were gloves. Nice warm mittens and grey woolen gloves, but what was this?

Down deep in the glove was a little box.

The look of surprise was not photographed but will always be remembered.

That is what the gift of Christmas is about for me.