Christmas Joy

He had some money in his wallet.

One - maybe two - bills lay there, carefully preserved, protected, saved, unspent, waiting for some irresistible spending whim to strike.

I give him credit. He usually spends that hard earned money pretty fast. But he's growing up.  His wish list has become expensive so he spends his money on candy and slush....or sometimes nothing at all.

A casual comment came from him a day or so ago.  "I'm going to buy you a present this year, mom."

"Mm hmm", I replied, absently.

Today was the day that the trip would be made to the mall.  "Let's go buy a gift for your brother, from you" I instructed.  And off we went to the mall, his wallet tucked into his brown coat pocket, his flannel pajama pants haphazardly tucked into his winter boots.  Who wants to abandon comfy pajama pants for a quick trip to the mall?  I smile at his attire.  He's too precious, I will not argue with his logic.  It's cool with me.

Brother's gift safely tucked into a bag, he turns to me and asks "Where do they sell Ferrero Rocher?" 

"For your brother?" I ask.  It seems like the obvious question.

"No, for you", he replies.

We head to the department store at the end of the hallway.  He wants me to stick around to watch him shop.  I refuse.

"I want to be surprised", I say.

This young man-to-be with his wallet tucked safely in his brown coat pocket while his pajama pants are tucked haphazardly inside his winter boots stays back in the candy section while I inconspicuously wander through the cosmetics department.

I glance back a time or two....I see his brown coat headed to the cashier.

"This is a big deal", I think to myself.  He never pays for something on his own, always wanting someone at his side to face the larger-than-life adult at the till.

Before I know it, the transaction is complete and he is tucking his wallet back into his coat pocket, bag in hand, smile on his face, contents well hidden from my view.

We leave the store and his grin is contagious.

"This is SO COOL!!!"  It's SO MUCH FUN buying presents for someone!"

Shortly thereafter, he passes by the bell-ringing gentleman manning the Salvation Army kettle and drops some of his precious coins into the kettle.  "Aw, bless you!" the man remarks, looking over this small hero's head at me, smiling, pleased, touched by his donation.  I smile too.

"I feel SO GOOD today!" my boy says.

Come to think of it, I feel pretty good myself.

The joy of giving, discovered by an 11 year old.  For real. 

Christmas came to us today.  It came to me today through a young child.

Seems to be a bit of a theme at Christmas ... 


"She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.
8-12 There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”
13-14 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:
Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him."


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