It’s funny how holidays change as one’s family changes. At this time of the year 20 years (or more) ago, I was up to my elbows in wrapping paper, decorations, shopping and cooking.
But as the children matured and eventually went out on their own, things got quieter. Oh, we still had the regular holiday trimmings as The Boy grew up, but he’s been gone from home for three years. We haven’t even bothered with a tree. Gifts to the faraways were ordered and direct shipped weeks ago so as to arrive on time. We’ll visit the grandsons just before Christmas, deliver their gifts and come home before the big day.
The Stranger and I went shopping together and have gifted each other what we purchased as needs, not wants, because what could we possibly want at this stage of the game?
The needs were indeed needed, like new saw blades and sewing machine needles. Those things wear out and must be replaced periodically. Not romantic, or necessarily special, but needed.
I think maybe what I miss the most is the anticipation of the kids wondering what is under the tree. And even my own anticipation wondering whether they were going to like what we had chosen for them and for each other.
Maybe, though, there is one gift that I can give to my family, my church family and my town.
I can give more of myself, more love, more attention, more thought into meeting their needs. I can be more available to them, even if they are far away or it isn’t convenient.
I can put myself out there every day, be a change for good while pointing out what needs to be changed. And making those points kindly and as politely as possible. I can put others’ needs and wants first.
Maybe I can do more to emulate a baby that was born long ago in Bethlehem, a gift to everyone who knows Him. I’ll fall far from the mark, because I am a fallible human.
I’ll do all I can do, and then I’ll do some more. But it won’t come with gift wrap.