It is Christmas and grandparents cannot be in two places at one time. I love the old carols that tell of a time of excited travel to the past – grandma’s house. It is no longer the depression era where family networks are in the same neck of the woods. We are spread all over the world. Christmas is evolving within our people groups. I remember standing in an aisle at Toys-R-Us with uncertainty. Being a daughter of depression-era people colors the celebration because, I believe, we learn how to celebrate holidays from our moms. As a child, my Mom told me that she was convinced that toast with a sprinkle of sugar was a special dessert. We don’t learn from our parents because Dad financed materials for gifts but never got involved. It was Mom’s territory and we made most presents. (Non-crafters do not understand the time and love involved in home-made items.) My childhood gifts were modest and sometimes a bit off because of my Mom’s cognitive issues. Matching raincoats? What child asks Santa for a raincoat? I do remember receiving a doll one year and that ‘new-doll’ plastic smell is still easily recognized. The tree was grand and they made an earnest effort except I remember crashing my fifth Christmas with five stitches above my left eye. It was a very close call and too much blood to welcome in Christmas morning. We want to please our children in a good way. Christmas was much the same when my children were small except their dad was a better wrapper than me. Santa was the most real when my ‘littles’ were little. The focus was, as much as I could manage, about the incarnation but there were more Santas than nativities. The children made little wish lists and I did what I could. There were misses but Santa came through and we stretched the budget. What I don’t remember is asking Jesus. I’ve always prayed but I don’t think I gave Him a part in gift selection for my littles or invited the holiness that makes the season beautiful. When I stood in the aisle at Toys-R-Us I was thinking about my children but not about what they truly needed. I think we were a divided home with battling interpretations of Christmas. The harmony could have been better but why did I not stand up for Christmas? There are video recordings that prove the happy Christmases but why did I not ask Jesus what was best? I have some past regrets but I love this formula I have been choosing for my grandkids. Give them: something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. Amazon has been helpful but do one better and put the entire season in the hands of Who is at the apex. He is most honored and worthy. Happy birthday Jesus!
