Sunday, December 7, 2008

Seventeen Year Old Reindeer

Christmas 1991. J was in the second grade at Rison Elementary School. The second grade, and most other grades for that matter, were bussed over to the Cleveland County Pioneer Village for an old fashioned Christmas. There was singing, and party foods, and each class was allowed to walk sedately through the "Merchantile" to purchase small handcrafted items if they chose. That year, J came home with a gift for his Mama. It was a beautiful wooden reindeer necklace. I kept it and wear it at least once every Christmas. Usually to work so I can share the story with anyone interested enough to ask.



It is one of my favorite memories of Christmas. I so miss my children being young and excited about Christmas. But life moves along and changes, and it's now at the point where you have to struggle to find a time when everyone can be together at the same time. It's still worth it to me. And I still get more joy than I can express, watching them open their gifts. No, they don't squeal with delight and excitement any longer, but I can still tell by their eyes and their smiles if I hit the mark with a particular gift. Christmas has become very commercial, but it still gives me a warm glow to give gifts. It's not a burden to me, eventhough money is tight and it's a job to decide what to give each person. Maybe it's because I'll always be their Mama. Maybe it's because I will always be one of those who love pleasing others. Maybe it's because the Lord gives me a special glow in my heart. I don't know, but I hope I NEVER get over it.

5 comments:

Sooz said...

Awww that's sweet! I sometimes wish I were a kid again just to have the feeling of really "believing" in something like Santa. That's such a neat feeling and I guess at least my nieces are still young enough to help us remember that feeling we once had.

Les said...

When either Lele or J make you a grandmother Christmas will take on a whole new meaning. I can't even begin to express how exciting Christmas is with Rylee around. Once she's old enough to understand who's really giving the gifts, maybe Matt and I will FINALLY have children.

Michelle said...

I agree with Les. Your grandbabies will make it fun again. I LOVE Christmas this year. Eli is just now getting into it all, and Daniel is just as excited as ever. I heart Christmas!!!

"Cash" It In said...

Girl ... just wait til those grandchildren come! Rylee is so much fun ... anytime, but especially now at Christmas! She loves the lights, songs, and wants everything she sees! We baked "goodies" today that she plans to give as gifts this year! It's so special having a young one around during the holidays! But then, we have Matt too! He gets as excited about stuff as Rylee does! I guess that's why they are such good playmates! When your children grow up you learn to cherish every moment you have with them! The grandchildren .... they are God's most precious blessing ... along with wonderful memories!

"Cash" It In said...

By the way ... everyone one on this page are witnesses to what Leslie said .... MORE GRANDCHILDREN!!!!!!