When it comes to the perfect Christmas gift, it seems it is the thought that counts, but the gift matters too.
I took a quick poll of my wife, youngest step-daughter and myself (we were all in the same room so it was a poll of the available) in response to the question, “What was your best Christmas present.”
Wife – the year, as a teenager, when my dad gave me a Christmas card with a note good for contact lenses. It was a time when contacts were new – still hard lenses made from glass – and at a time when, even though I wanted them madly, they were expensive and we didn't have a lot of money. I didn't expect them. It was THE BEST surprise.
Step-Daughter – Mom didn't believe in lots of TV or Video games. She’s like that. But, one year, when it was new – mom broke down and got me a Nintendo 64! My older sister was green with envy (she still hasn't gotten over it) because she was never allowed anything like that. We all played Mario Cart Racing until we knew every turn and jump by heart.
Me – I’m a huge fan of Jimmy Buffet. I've had almost every album (that’s what we had before CDs), tape and CD he ever recorded. A couple of years ago my wife gave me tickets to one of his concerts for Christmas. We never talked about it. I never asked for them or even to go. She just knew that I would enjoy and cherish the experience. She was right - Fins Up!
You – What was your best Christmas gift ever? Feel free to share in the comments…
This new house is the BEST Christmas present EVER...we've been living in apartments for six years, and now we finally have our own home. It's amazing.
ReplyDeleteDon't you love when our spouses just KNOW what we love and surprise us like your wife did with the tickets? It's so sweet. It's nice to have someone that loves us like that.
this Christmas-spending Christmas with my granddaughter-priceless
ReplyDeleteThe birth of my youngest sister, just days before Christmas in 1966. I remember joy.
ReplyDeleteThe gift of a son, and a first Christmas with him, only a few weeks old, after many years of being told I'd never have children.
Then, the gift of a daughter, and though I'd nearly died after giving birth to her, holding her in my arms on Christmas morning.
UG - I can feel the joy in your life, right now. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteAnon - I fully understand your joy. My granddaughter has been here all week, and in spite of the turmoil of change - I am joyful, deeply.
S. - what powerful memories. There is nothing like joy that comes to displace sorrow. what is that line from the hymn? "joy and sorrow flow mingled down..."