Gifts from the Heart

When I think of romantic Christmas stories, the first one that comes to mind is the short story The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry written in 1906. It is a well known story about a newlywed couple who have very little money and want to buy gifts for one another for Christmas.

Della has long, beautiful hair she sells to purchase a watch chain for her husband's most prized possession, his pocket watch. Meanwhile, Jim sells his pocket watch to purchase a set of tortoise combs with jewels for Della's hair. When Jim and Della exchange gifts they realize the gift they received is truly a gift from the heart.

When I was at the mall tonight, I wondered how many gifts are given from the heart?

My Treasured Book

I have often wrote about my mom reading to me as a child, and I am very thankful she did take the time to read to me. I have one of the books she read stories to me from on the bookshelf in the family room titled The Illustrated Treasury of Children's Literature edited by Margaret Martignoni, copyright date of 1955.

It was this book where I believe I was first introduced to so many stories and poems. It is a large book, and I remember when I was growing up, using the book to press flowers between the pages. The strange thing is, some of the pressed flowers from my youth remain in the book today.

For me, the sentimental aspect of the book is not only that my mom read from it to me as a child, but the pencil check marks in the table of contents remind me what stories I read to my children. It is one of my most treasured books.

Our Trip to Narnia

Sure enough, when I woke up this morning, the trees were covered in snow. It looked magical outside. When I picked my youngest son up at school at the end of the day, we were talking about how beautiful the tree branches looked all covered in snow. I laughed, when he said the trees didn't have time to prepare for the snow since the other day it was so warm outside.

But I think my favorite thing, was when he looked at me, and said "Mom, don't you think it looks like Narnia?" I smiled, and agreed with him. As I looked over at him in the car, our eyes met and we both laughed and for just a brief second, I believe he and I visited Narnia.

First Snow of the Season

Tonight is the first snow, and I am thinking tomorrow morning there will be a few inches of snow on the ground.

I love looking out at the forest when the tree branches are all covered in snow. It reminds me of a miniature forest scene with trees made out of chenille stems covered in white cotton!

Any Where. Any Place. Any Time.

"Then she saw a star fall, leaving behind it a bright streak of fire. “Someone is dying,” thought the little girl, for her old grandmother, the only one who had ever loved her, and who was now dead, had told her that when a star falls, a soul was going up to God.”

- Hans Christian Andersen, The Little Match Girl

I remember my mom reading this story to me, and how sorry I felt for the little girl as she desperately tried to keep warm. I still remember the feeling of sadness at the end of the story, crying and my mom comforting me.

With my imagination, and a good story, I can be any where, at any place, at any time.

Not My Christmas List

This evening, the kids shared their Christmas list ideas.

It is always interesting to hear what gifts they would like for Christmas, and it is fun to laugh with them over some of the items they include on their lists. Madeline and Andrew's lists usually includes many movies, books and CDs. Benjamin traditionally has a difficult time, but always seems to have some type of live animal on his list.

This year, after the presentation of lists, Andrew asked me what I would like for Christmas. Madeline started listing items she believed would be on my Christmas list, as Ben promptly made a written list. The list included work out pants, a zumba skirt, nipple and navel piercings, a tramp stamp and a bible. Andrew and I were laughing so much we both had tears streaming down our cheeks.

Now, I wonder what Santa will bring me for Christmas?

The Great Christmas Tree Hunt

Ever since the kids were little, we have always gone and cut down a fresh Christmas tree, and this year was no different. We have been going to Waldock's Christmas tree farm for quite a few years. Although every year, we have a conversation about if it is the year for an artificial tree.

So far, tradition wins. Many of years, we trod over fresh snow, or at least frozen ground, searching the fields for the perfect Christmas tree. This year was different, for as we ventured out to the tree farm, the weather was unseasonably warm. No need for hats, mittens or even winter coats.

Traditions stayed the same. We found a tree. I gave final approval. I take a photograph of the three kids in front of the tree. Kids and Ben discuss who will cut the tree down. Multiple people lay on the ground, attempting to cut tree with saw. Tree falls. Usually on a person. Tree is dragged to pick up area. We have donuts and hot chocolate. Tree is tied to roof of car.

All the while, I smile and am thankful the kids enjoy the tradition of the search for the perfect Christmas tree.