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."
Advent Scripture for today
12 comments:
What a nice story! I feel the same way about Santa and was so happy when I became Catholic to find out I wasn't just being childish because he really existed as St. Nicholas.
Thank you for sharing your story. I bet the person who did that had no idea what a long-term impact they would have on someone's life. How amazing.
No fair making me cry...
Beautiful story of hope...
Oh (sniff!) This made me cry! People are good -- more than are bad. ((Hugs!)) To that 12 year old grown up now with kids of her own to teach about goodness.
Thanks for sharing this part of your life. It is all of these life experiences which helped make us into the people we are today. I'm so thankful you received hope that Christmas; and the realization that there are folks out there who really care is such a blessing.
Nice story!
Linda sent me. A wonderful story.
I made my way her via "Are We There Yet" as well. And I'm glad Linda pointed us this way. This was a wonderful memory to share with us.
This story reminded me of several Christmas holidays I experienced as a child. Our family went through several Christmas seasons over the years when there was barely enough money to put food on the table. Yet, somehow there was always a Christmas tree and a few gifts for my sisters and I. I'm sure there were a couple of those years that even my parents were surprised that Santa remembered where we lived.
Linda (Are We There Yet?) suggested I come over and read this post. I'm heading back there now to thank her - this is a truly special post that I enjoyed very much. Thankyou too. :)
Happy Christmas to you. x
I must be losing my mind as I thought for sure I left a comment over here yesterday when I came by! Every day my cheese seems to slide off of the cracker just a little bit more ... !!
I still love this story even the next day, though!
Came by because Linda suggested it. And I am so glad she did. You hit it. I feel the same way, always have.
Thanks for putting in words.
I love this story. It really makes me want to donate a food giftcard to a family. Too bad Festival Foods also sells liquor! I'll think of something...
Thank you for sharing this. I plan to link it up on Saturday.
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