I love Christmas and hope that my kids feel the same, not the gift part but the true meaning. I love to have friends and family around. This year my son is being confirmed and has to do community service so he is ringing the bells for the Salvation Army. I want my kids to know the true meaning of giving, which is what Christmas is all about.
Last year my family had a few setbacks, we lost our home and moved in with my mom. We moved December 7, 2008. Conveniently, her house was right next door to our house. I tried so hard for my kids to not worry about anything and that everything was as normal for them as possible. I went to each of my kid’s school to talk to their principals, so that if the kids had any problems it might help to have a background of what is going on at home.
I am so blessed to have the family and friends that I have. My sister came and helped me get mom’s house ready and we moved. When I got home from the school that day I got two phone calls: one from my son’s school and one from my daughter’s school. Both wanted to help make sure that our kids had a Christmas they would never forget and we certainly won’t. It was as if angels were watching over my family.
We shared our Christmas, that we thought would be dismal and depressing, happy and able to give our kids something that we thought would be impossible. Our kids don’t know what a blessing we were given from their schools, but they both always make sure that they can help with the Help a Family fund at school and by participating in small projects.
We have joined a neighborhood church and are so fortunate to have a new “family” to share the Holidays with this year. The kids love to donate to the food basket on Sunday. The fact that we have such a strong faith helped my husband, our kids, and I get through such a tough time.
