Having been raised on a meager income by my grandparents, I never felt "lacking" until the Holidays when friends were discussing what they wanted for Christmas and, of course, what they knew they'd get. While their lists were at least a full page of wishes and wants, I remember my immense, yet simple, desire to find a Barbie doll under the tree come Christmas morning---not just the dime store version with hollow plastic legs---but the REAL BARBIE with bendable, rubbery legs, and all the amazing accessories, and myriad of friends, that went along with her. I think I've always been a bit sad at not ever having my very own Barbie doll.
When I grew up, married, and had children of my own, I promised myself, silly as it seems now, that my children would have presents stacked to the ceiling, like I never had. When my boys were very young we were living in eastern Kentucky, on a fairly modest income, but we always managed to have a big Christmas for them. My husband and I delighted in going on our annual shopping trip to Huntington, West Virginia, about an hour and a half from our home. Huntington had a huge mall and various "big name" stores that offered everything a person could want and more----just the place for a young couple with children! While my mother-in-law took care of the boys, we would make a day of it, leaving early and coming home late, exhausted, but satisfied, from our endeavor!
I know it is such a sad commentary on the state of affairs in our nation of plenty that I could feel even slightly unhappy at the lack of gifts that will grace the living room floor under my tree this year----how petty of me. No iPads, no Droids, not even a new computer that would be such a welcome replacement for our slow, out-dated dinosaur---no, this year, just a few things that I know our sons will enjoy that have been lovingly chosen, but not particularly costly. Yes, there will be the long-coveted video game, a few favorite books, a toy or two for our youngest son, and the random article of clothing or accessory. And, as usual, I'll be warming the kitchen with the lovely smells of the Yuletide season, a gift in themselves----gingerbread and pumpkin pies, and, of course, Christmas cookies and candy.
Have we somehow failed our children in not providing their every Holiday desire-----absolutely not! Our children were raised to tell the truth, to serve others, to be true to their own values, and to be loving and giving to their family and friends. No amount of presents under the Christmas tree could instill those traits in any person, no matter how much we might wish it. As my two older sons have grown and moved out on their own, it is my prayer that they will continue to grow and mature, as I know they will, into men who possess an indomitable spirit and who retain the strength of character they have been taught. No gift could be better than that!
My own desire to give over and above what we can afford, I'm sure, comes from the power of American materialism; in old-fashioned terms, "keeping up with the Joneses". Strive though I may to live simpler, greener, and saner, it is much easier to be content with what one has when there is no one near in which to compare possessions, or a lack thereof, with. However, I should be in control enough to put those thoughts from my mind and stick to the path that I know is best and true; simple, heartfelt living. And, most of the time, I do.
So, now, I will sit back and reminisce about all the lovely Christmases that have long-passed, the memories of precious time spent with loved ones, the traditions that make the Holidays special for my family, and the abundance and blessings that come simply from knowing who I am and what is truly important.
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