At this time of year when we become so busy shopping for gifts for our children and others it is good to remember the gifts that really count.
There are so many things we can give our children even when we can provide barely provide material things. What is important is to give these things; our love, our time, our understanding, our patience, structure, laughter, a sense of justice, compassion, our work ethic, a love of family, and the list goes on and on.
These are the gifts that last a lifetime for our children. These are the gifts that create their memories.
Whether we have the money to provide extravagent gifts or nothing at all, it is more important that we provide the foundation for our children to grow into adults that take these gifts we have shared with them and share them with others.
This is how the world revolves and evolves. It is why we continue to have hope because we know that another generation is imparting their mark on the world. Let us do all that we can to make it a positive one.
For those of us that have grandchildren, the same holds true.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours.
P.S. I cannot hope to understand the heartache a parent feels when they believe they will be letting their children down because they do not have money to provide gifts or even perphaps a Christmas tree. All I can say to them is, as the children grow up and understand the hardships in this world they will love you all the more for loving them.
Kate Elim, Lake Anna, Virginia
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Lovely Kate. I hope I can say I've given my children all of these gifts except one. I don't have patience. None. Nada. Bupkist. But they are loved and appreciated and treated fairly and shown that we need to share what we have we others, including our time, and to be generous with our love and laughter with friends and family. I am heart broken at the despair a parent must feel if they can't provide a Christmas for their children. More so for people who do not know if they can even provide a meal today.
Hi Susan...You have given your children honesty. That is one thing I did not include and yet is one of the most important things we can share with them. Thank you for your comment because it made me immediately think of that. It is how I think of you.
It is up to us that have so much to share with those that do not. At least that is my belief. It is the only way I can enjoy what I have. Fortunately there are so many ways we can do that. The food banks are definitely in need of help this year.
Kate
Kate - I couldn't agree more. Very nicely stated. I hope you have a terrific Christmas!
Kate this was great. All kids want is to be loved and all the toys in the world will not make them happy if they are not loved. Thanks!
Merry Christmas to you and your family. My you have a Happy and Prosperous New Year in 2010.
Hi Jason...I knew you would. It is evident what family means to you. Hope you and yours have a terrific one also.
Kate
Hi Randi...Children may think toys will make them happy and they might temporarily but loving parents and exended family are the real magic.
Kate
Hi Larry...Thank you and the same to you and yours.
Kate
Kate we often forget about the most important things in life. Thank you for the reminder and may you have a joyous Christmas with your family.
Kate, your post is so well said. These gifts last a lifetime and are the most important in a child's life.
This weekend I drove around the neighborhood with my grandchildren looking a Christmas lights and read them a story before they went to sleep. It seems like simple things, but they enjoyed it - and it was free. Children want us to spend time with them, and they remember those times much better than the toy they received.
Featured @ Club Chaos
The love we share with family and friends is the best gift to give and receive. Have a beautiful Christmas.
Kate Your points are extremely well made - Arthur and I spend a lot of time at Christmas with families at our local homeless shelter. Arthur takes family photos - we have them framed and we bring them back to them as gifts. Merry Christmas
Hi Pat...I wish you and your the very same.
Hi Mary...I appreciated my grandparents more and more as I got older and I believe our grandchildren will look back and relish their memories with us. You are providing them many memories.
Hi C...Thank you and Merry Christmas.
Hi Tom...Without a doubt. That's so true all year long.
Hi Karen...You and Arthur are providing those families treasures that are priceless. There have been times I have given framed photos to my children, grandchildren, and other family members. I like your idea. I will try to remember this, perhaps I can do it next year. Thank you.
Kate
Kate, what a beautiful sentiment. Thanks for the reminder