OK, when I was a child we lived in what I now know was poverty. However, because my then step-father was going to SMU to seminary (he never finished) we lived for a year and a half in the richest part of Dallas. It was very hard to be "the poor kid."
Well, during the second of those Decembers we got an envelope in the mail that said "To the parents of Sarah ....." return address was Santa Claus. Inside were $100 in gift certificates to the local grocery store. Our Christmas was not big, but we did have one. Because of the former step-father's poor spending habits, we would have had Christmas regardless...but then wouldn't have had money for food. Those gift certificates were perfect. A month's worth of food (give or take) that can't be spent on anything else. (This was long before you could get groceries and "stuff" like clothes and toys at the same store.)
I have a younger brother with a different last name. Why was it addressed to my parents? Who sent it? How did they know that just sending money wouldn't be as helpful as the gift certificates? Did they know? How can you accept a gift when you don't know who to tell thank you?
These questions have no answers.
But I do know this. I was 12 years old and very depressed. Ready to lose hope in everything. My Mom was in the process of kicking out the former step-father with poor spending habits. The world as I knew it was falling apart. Out of nowhere Santa sent me a gift. Not just a gift of money for food for the family, but a gift to me of hope, an example that people aren't all hateful and snide, and the assurance that I could and would make it and be able to move on to a better life. Also, the knowledge that there'd be help along the way through the Grace of God.
Christmas is about the Birth of Christ. However, Santa Claus is about spreading hope and joy to those most in need. And every December I celebrate BOTH. Yes, I DO believe in Santa Claus and I DO believe that he still lives.
He lives in our hearts every December when we make a point of spreading hope and joy to someone else.
"And I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight
Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night."
7 comments:
Well I am choked up. Thanks for sharing a great way to make another's Christmas!!
Off to see the real definitions to the T&T
jen
What a special memory and a special post to share it with the rest of us. Thank you!
I believe in Santa Claus myself, or more accurately the spirit of Santa: to give without expectation of receiving, to make people smile with no thought of what one is going to get in return, and to spread hope and joy to all.
Again, a great post!!
Oh, my gosh, I have a knot in my throat!
What a beautiful story, Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays!
Sandra Evertson
What a perfect example of "pay it forward".
I was raised very poor too. I don't remember anybody helping us like that, but I've since been able to help others through my church and there's nothing that compares to the feeling of knowing that you've helped make a difference in somebody's life.
I have a 5 year old little girl's name from the local school's angel tree. She asked for very simple things: coloring books, crayons, Barbie, and mostly, NEW CLOTHES. I've asked God to go before me and prepare the way when I shop for this little girl's Christmas gifts so that I can find bargains and get what she needs/wants and that He'll increase the buying power of my money so I can get more for less.
Merry Christmas, Sarah. Somebody still loves you. Namely, Jesus. And me, of course. :o)
Love and hugs,
Diane
It's wonderful personal stories like these, at this time of the year, that spread the majic and joy of Christmas....Very Good Read Sarah....
These accounts have special meaning to those of us who were raised poor, and we appreciated any gift we got even more so...
I gotta say Missy...Subvet got himself quite a good, caring woman... :-)
i believe in santa, too. i think he works closely with God. and your story is a beautiful and perfect example of that. thanks for sharing it. i would love to read a whole month's worth of posts like this one.
Thanks for sharing, friend.
Lots of love,
Pinky
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