The Gift

It’s that time of year again when we search for that one perfect gift to give the ones we love. Not an easy task in a world where we pretty much have everything we could ever want. Truth be told, when was the last time you ever really surprised anyone with anything? They either requested it, suggested it, hinted or demanded it the day after halloween, as soon as the first jingle bell began it’s annoying and constant ring. I have always purchased an over abundance of gifts for family and friends. I’ve enjoyed the buying, the wrapping and most of all the giving. This year I sent my son a check and handed my daughter and her husband a handful of cash. I just couldn’t be bothered trying to think up something they would want.
I feel like scrooge this year. I’m not sure why. I usually look forward to the holidays but this year I’m simply too tired to even think about it. Every year I put a Christmas Tree on my front porch and carefully hang white lights all across the front rim of the house and I cover the bushes with white lights. Brightly colored packages with gold ribbons sit under the tree creating a real Norman Rockwell entryway. This year I put up one string of lights above my front door and I was done.
Christmas snuck up on me this year. I wasn’t even finished weeding the garden and the neighbors had their decorations all out and shining brightly as if to say “Get on the stick Yvonne!” It feels like we just had Christmas! Didn’t I just take the lights down? Where the heck does the time go? One day the leaves were falling and I turned my head and it was snowing. It seems the older I get the quicker time flies. I can remember thinking Christmas would never come. I waited patiently counting the days, picking up presents and trying to imagine what was inside. I remember being excited, almost giddy about the season. Now it’s more of a nuisance than anything else. I’ll have to make cookies for the neighbors. I’ll have to go to parties and lie to people who wear Christmas Tree sweatshirts, reluctantly telling them they look festive. No they don’t! They look ridicules! I’ll have to be nice to relatives I really don’t like. I’ll have to get those damn cards out that no one ever reads just to make sure I don’t get cut from next years send list.
I was just about ready to cancel the whole festive fiasco when my tiniest grandson Jack greeted me at the door. With a mischievous smile and a gleam in his eye, he whispered, “Santa’s coming Nonni! I can’t wait!” He handed me a book so big he had to hold it with both hands. I looked down to see “The Gift in the Manger. ” Instantly I remembered the reason for the season, In the glow of the tree lights we cuddled together, my little grandson and I. His innocent face happily waiting for everything; the lights , the tree, the presents and the joy that is Christmas. I read to my grandson and thought; the miracle of a little child can change a world. What a gift.