An early memory of my grandmother was the task she would
assign us after Thanksgiving dinner. She would sit us down with a paper and
pencil and ask us for a list of presents we wanted for Christmas. The first
time, I let my imagination wander, and listed several things that attracted my
attention while browsing the Sears and Roebuck catalog. On Christmas morning, I
was embarrassed to find that every single thing I had listed was under the tree
for me, from Granny. Santa Claus was left with very little to bring. Many of
the items had been just fleeting ideas, and while pulling off the ribbons and
paper, I couldn’t recall asking for that particular toy or game.
The next year, with a little more wisdom under my belt, I
gave the list some thought, and only wrote down one thing. Granny provided
prompts. “Maybe a nice dress?” she suggested, “Or, what about music? Write down
some of your favorite songs.”
In my robe and slippers
that December 25, I was glad to receive the special item I had wanted (though I
certainly can’t remember what it was all these years later). The dress came
from the finest department store in Granny’s city, and for each song I requested,
she purchased the whole album, instead of the single I was expecting. One of
the most popular songs of the day was a novelty piece called “Rubber Duckie”.
True to form, I received the whole album of Sesame Street favorites. Since I
was in 7th grade that year, I am quite sure I was the only one of my
friends who received that particular gift.
I began to dread finishing my pumpkin pie. I wished that
Granny would take my list as a suggestion, not a purchase order. I hated
appearing ungrateful, but I also didn’t like having the rest of the family
thinking I was asking for too much. So, I followed the lead of my older
cousins, and asked Granny for cash so that I could do my own shopping. I felt a
little regret. I think she really enjoyed the hunt, the quest to bring us
exactly the items we had asked for, in the perfect color and size. But, come
Christmas morning, I was truly grateful, and didn’t have to endure the scrutiny
of the rest of the family as I opened present after present.
Flash forward past years of struggling to provide our own
children with at least one of the very special items they dreamed of. Santa always
managed to come through somehow.
At a time of my life when we are able to purchase most of
what we need and want throughout the year, there are not a lot of things on my
Christmas list these days. My husband
does know me very well, however. So, he enjoys picking out one particular gift
that will always make me smile, an addition to the Christmas village that
graces my entryway. This indulges my love of decorating, and also sparks my
imagination. One day, a holiday book is bound to be set in my very own itty
bitty town.
My favorite gifts are much less expensive, but infinitely
more satisfying. I was presented with some of them over the past holiday
weekend. A six year old grandson took comfort in my lap after a long day of
family celebration. A precious grand-daughter wanted to be involved with meal
preparation, and loved to brag about the special cake she and her mom made for
us. My increasingly sullen teenaged grand presented me with joyful laughter as
he and I played a rousing game of air hockey. The nine-year old and his
smaller cousin shared some heartfelt hugs as they headed for home.
I am looking forward to a few more of these fabulous
presents when we travel to see the newest member of the family. I can’t wait
for those bright eyed giggles and sloppy kisses.
I can’t help thinking that the happiness I feel at this
time of year must be much like the emotions that surrounded that manger in
Bethlehem so long ago. After centuries of stories were passed from one
generation to another, God was fulfilling His promise to send a king. No one
could predict exactly what would take place in the life of that little baby.
But there was wild, unbridled joy in the air. So much amazement at the
unbelievable gift they had been given. So much hope for the future. Joy to the
World! Oh come let us adore Him!
May you receive all of His best gifts this holiday season,
and look forward to a bright and beautiful new year.
