12.16.08
Giving a Christmas Memory
Last night was our Ladies’ Night Out event at my church, which we try to have once a month. It came at the end of a very busy day – up since 5 and didn’t really stop until 12 hours later while I waited for the pork chops to cook.
One of the most fun activities of the evening, besides all the Christmas cookies I got to bring home, was when we got to share our most favorite Christmas memories and, I must admit, I have quite a few of those.
But, I thought perhaps those are the greatest Christmases of all. Not the gifts, the lights, the decorations, the trampling people to death to get that one gift that your child will probably enjoy playing with the box of instead – it’s providing memories for others. Those who may not have a job, this year, because of the economic down turn (I know there are 66,000 auto workers up here (Canada) without jobs this Christmas).
You never know what your gift either small or large, cash or gift, or kind word will mean to somebody else.
I grew up in the Salvation Army and often volunteered at the toy depot that my parents ran. I was one of the lucky ones that got to hand out memories to families. I know there are a lot of parents who don’t even celebrate Christmas that have their hands out and aren’t really truly thankful for what they receive – their only goal is to take what’s available. Then there are others that come to us as a last resort. They don’t know where else to turn. They’ve tried to do things themselves and are so disappointed that, for whatever reason, they are unable to provide a single gift for their children.
We had one mother like that come in that I will never forget. She had a little one (3 years old, I think) and a 6 year old. My friend and I were handed a garbage bag each and sent into the storage area to put together a memorable Christmas for these children. But, I think it meant more to the mother than it did to the kids. We emerged from the back with two bags full of toys and the mother burst into tears. She was so thankful that through us she could provide her children with something for Christmas. I will never forget that woman.
Nor will I forget the mother who came to us looking for groceries because there was too much month at the end of the money for her to provide food for her two teenage sons.
I will not forget the least paid of those I worked with on Parliament Hill who provided the most gifts for the toy drive.
I will not forget the Christmas that saw us strapped for cash, and the kindness of someone (was never told who did it) who went to the trouble to order gifts for us – they had Purolator stickers on them – which were presented to us one Christmas Eve. I was in tears as I wrapped them that night.
I will remember those children who will receive a small gift through Operation Christmas Child, this year, that normally have absolutely nothing. Not even a roof over their head.
I will remember the family that our church is sponsoring this Christmas and know that whatever I can give would be most appreciated.
I will remember those people, and how happy I was when someone cared enough about me to help me, and in turn help those where I can – and be thankful for what I have, because somewhere out there is someone who has less that I have been blessed with.
What can you do to create a Christmas memory for someone less fortunate?
Ron Berry said,
December 16, 2008 at 7:52 pm
This year I can provide nothing more than smiles although if I have any change, it goes in the salvation army buckets. I worked for Rockwell/Collins and three years in a row I was on the Christmas committee. I helped wrap and deliver many presents.
When I lived in Canada, it was the Salvation Army that was our salvation.
I remember one year when the kids were little that our doctor selected us for the Christmas donation. I wasn’t working and it really came in handy. Ever since I have made a point of doing whatever I could.
Carol said,
December 16, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Thank youf or the reminder of our blessings!
Sue-Ellen said,
December 16, 2008 at 10:03 pm
I have to agree that the greatest memories that I have are of giving to people who really would not otherwise have a Christmas. I remember that when I worked at Chase Bank, I was in charge of finding a family to donate to for the holiday for our department. I called around to several organizations and finally found one that was so happy to work with us. They were a home for abused women and their children. The home called Sojourner House had room for about 20 families (each family in one bedroom) with common areas for the living rooms, dining rooms and such. The women were allowed to stay for 15 months and during that time were taught to live on their own and how to be self sufficient whether that be schooling or job training. At the end of the 15 months, the women were helped to find an apartment and helped to furnish it as much as Sojourner could with donated furnishings. Anyway they gave us the name of a woman and her 3 children who were just moving into one of these apartments that while nice enough, was really very bare with the minimal of furnishings and toys. A couple of us went to meet with the mom a couple of weeks before Christmas so that we could find out what kinds of things the kids wanted and clothing sizes and such. Well it was a great opportunity to see what else they needed too. We went back to the department and spread the word.. When the time came to deliver to the family we had trucks of stuff, we had furniture, and toys and food and a Christmas tree. It was the most wonderful feeling I have ever had. We made sure to go when the kids were at school so that they did not see the delivery, but we made sure to get a disposable camera and asked her to take pictures and we had them developed for her with doubles for us so that we could share with the whole department the joy that they had brought to this family. It was one of my favorite Christmas memories ever.
I think that maybe the best thing we can give our children is the spirit of giving and teach them how important it is that we show people what Christian love means by sharing whatever we can to those less fortunate than ourselves.
Thanks Dar for reminding us all what Christmas is really about…
Have a blessed and happy CHRISTmas…
Sue-Ellen
Amber said,
December 17, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Excellent memories.
Lisa M said,
December 22, 2008 at 5:16 am
So true that there are people out there, in desperate need, who are appreciative of generous souls such as yourself. God bless you for helping these people and I’m sure this mother will never forget you either. Happy Holidays
mywords said,
December 28, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Thanks, everyone. I hope you all had a great holiday!