“We have two hours to shop. Not more. After, we will meet back here at the ‘Santa’s Workshop’ display,” I yelled, trying to get over the sound of the Christmas music being played all over. ‘Santa’s Workshop’ was the biggest attraction for all children visiting the mall. They could participate in games and activities such as baking cookies and even making Christmas cards. It was also an important attraction for the parents. Being able to leave their children there under the hands of the workshop instructors, helped. They could then shop for gifts without any distractions.
When we all met, everyone was shouting and sharing that they got the best gift for each other. With their shopping bags in hand, we made our way to the parking lot with the children in cheerful banter.
On the drive home, everyone was still in high spirits, laughing and teasing one another with hints and clues about what they had bought. My younger daughter, Ginger, who was about eight years old, was unusually quiet. I noted she had only one small flat bag with her after her shopping spree. I could see through the plastic bag to tell that she had bought candy bars – fifty-cent candy bars!
I was very angry. I wanted to yell at her and ask what she had done wit the twenty dollars that I had given her. However, I did not say anything until I got home. I called her into my bedroom and closed the door, ready to be angry again when I asked her what she had done with the money.
“I was looking around, thinking of what to buy and stopped to read the little cards on one of the Salvation Army’s ‘Giving Tree’. One of the cards was for a little girl, four years old, and all she wanted for Christmas was a doll and the hairbrush for her. So I took the card off the tree and bought the doll and the hairbrush for her. Then I took it to the Salvation Army booth. Maybe that is the only gift that she will even get on Christmas. I had only enough money left to buy candy bars for us,” Ginger said, feeling a pang of guilt.
“May I ask what made you want to do that when you could bought gifts just for yourself and your brothers and sisters? I asked, wanting to understand her.
She replied with the most innocent voice, “We have so much with us already. I just wanted to share the same joy on Christmas with another.” That was the greatest gift I could have as a mother that Christmas – knowing how big a heart my daughter had.
Christmas is a cherished time of year. It’s full of tradition, laughter, love and of course, giving.
For most people and especially children, Christmas is about the presents. What can I get from Santa this year?
Although her mother felt ashamed that she could not provide her children lavish gifts, the little girl saw things differently.
She had a house adorned with beautiful lights; she had family together cooking delicious food, and she even had extra money to spend on presents.
She didn’t feel poor at all. So she happily gave her contribution to someone who needed it more.
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