When I was in middle school right after the Christmas break, my 7th grade English teacher, Ms. Mavrogenis, had us write a paper about how we spent our Christmas. I immediately went to work like the rest of my class and started jotting down what I got my sister, mom, and dad for Christmas, and how we always went out a little extra for mom because December 25th was also her birthday. Growing up we heard stories of how people would give mom a combined Christmas/Birthday gift and we always made sure there were separate presents for her birthday so she could enjoy both, even though they were on the same day.
A day or two later, as Ms. Mavrogenis handed back our papers, she told us that out of all of her students, I was the only one who wrote about what they gave for Christmas, not what they received. In a way, it was a little uncomfortable to be singled out of her 100 plus students, but at the same time I felt good.
Maybe because Christmas is also my mom’s birthday, I look at it a little differently. Christmas to me means that we think of others, we give, and we show compassion for each other. It’s too easy to get wrapped up in the commercial hype about making sure we buy the “right” present; there are enough TV commercials reminding us of that! I try to ignore the commercialism of Christmas and embrace what’s in my heart.
My wish for you is to enjoy your time with your friends and family this Christmas, but to also share your gift with the world, whatever that is. The world needs you. So, whether you give a stranger a smile, a friend a hug, or a cause your time or talents, do it. It will make you feel good and you’ll be making the world a better place for all of us.
How will you be celebrating the holidays this year?
Merry Christmas!
I also want to say, “Happy Birthday, Mom!”
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