Holiday

As the holiday approaches the anxiety approaches too. Do I have the same amount of presents for both kids, did I remember to buy for everybody, was the present I bought the most perfect present, will they like it and accept it? This year is different in many ways: I'm not worried about what the recipient thinks about their present because it's the thought that counts right--that's what I've been taught anyway. Yes I bought them all what I think they would like and not some unusable gift. Yes I will have the same amount of presents for both kids to avoid conflict and jealousy that morning.

My main focus this year as it is every year is not the presents so much it's the reason. We all know the real reason for this season to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. I've felt blessed this year to have limited illness, ailments, deaths in my family or any of my friends. I'm aware of people in our own community that have had to go through tough times this year whether it be illness, ailments, deaths, financial problems or what have you. I try to every year take a name from the giving tree at church. This program is rewarding none the less. We have chosen to buy presents this year for a nine year old boy in our community that if it wasn't for us would have nothing to open on Christmas morning. He is getting a CD player alarm clock and a new pair of pants and a new shirt. I know where the sales are!!!

After taking this tag from the tree, we have been notified by our Ministry Coordinator of this family that just moved into the community that isn't attached with any church at this time. This family consists of a mother, father and four girls ranging from 2-12. This family also will have nothing to give their children this holiday. I have taken it upon myself to provide for each child in this family as well. Not much just enough to show this family that this community cares about the less fortunate. Our church is providing this family with a Christmas dinner from the food pantry and some of the congregation and other community members are providing gifts. Please remember the reason for the season and remember to thank the Lord for all your blessings. Take time this season to sit back and enjoy family, friends, good meals, warm houses, good company, watch the children, listen to the elderly stories, and most of all for yourself.