It’s a switch I’ve been waiting to see flip for many years now. The one where I had hoped to see my children understand the other side of the holiday season.
Of course we force them to do the things they don’t want to do. Clean out their toys before Christmas, giving bags upon bags of those toys they hardly ever play with to charity. We remind them over and over again it’s about giving, not getting. It goes on and on and you really feel as though some days you are talking to a wall. They just want the big guy with the white beard and they want him YESTERDAY and they want him to deliver all their toy hopes and dreams.
I remember. I don’t blame them. Hell, I still want Santa to stick a few things under there for me.
Finally though, after what has felt like a lifetime of nagging, something clicked.
I should probably start by explaining that I am very lucky to have two children who truly love each other and play together very well. They are the best of friends, and hurt when the other hurts, cries when the other cries, and laugh and love as if they share the same heart. So when it came time to pick out gifts for each other, they really, really put their minds to work.
My son, ever serious, took days. What are his sister’s favorite things in life? What could he possible get her that would be good enough? How would he make her ‘ooooh and ahhhh’ and say ‘this is what I’ve always been dreaming of’ (his words) when she opened said gift?
My daughter, ever decisive, knew exactly what she wanted without hesitation and demanded I order it right away while she counted the money in her bank to triple check she had enough. She knew how much it cost. She knew where I could find it, and that it was ‘perf-necked’ for her ‘brudda.’ And she, of course, was right.
Their gifts arrived via mail this week, and tonight they wrapped. I’ve not seen them this excited in a long time. And it wasn’t because they were getting something. It was because they were giving.
Eureka.
The littlest was begging to give her brother his gift NOW because she just couldn’t wait. And the oldest was beaming with pride because he truly had picked the most perfect toy for his baby sister.
As I sat wrapping that gift with my son he seemed to finally grasp what I had been trying to tell him.
Mom, I think I am more happy now making Hala happy, than I am when Santa brings me my presents.
Eureka, indeed.
Wonderful! What a spectacular joy this Christmas morning will be. One that they and you will never forget.
Eureka! Indeed
.-= Christine´s last blog ..Ho! Ho! Ho! =-.
So incredibly sweet. This year my daughter has been so involved in picking out gifts for the entire family. She really pored her heart & soul into gift buying. The nice thing is she has rubbed off on her younger brother.
Can’t wait for Christmas.
.-= lisa´s last blog ..A Peek into my Google Reader with Flipboards New Update =-.
Amazing and inspiring!
Tears in my eyes and I don’t cry that easily!
It’s always amazing watching our children having a “get it” type moment, it’s even more amazing, more special when that moment is one that will help define them as humans, that will make their lives & the lives of all the others they come in contact with during their lifetimes so much richer!
Good job Mom!
.-= Jean´s last blog ..My Best Friend Fish Big Splash Twitter Party =-.
I commented and it’s not appearing so let me try again here. It’s a beautiful thing seeing our kids have one of those “get it” type moments, it’s even more amazing when the thing they’re getting is an attitude of giving that will become entrenched in them, helping to define them as people, enriching their lives & the life of every single person they come across for years to come.
Good Job Mom!
.-= geekbabe´s last blog ..My Best Friend Fish Big Splash Twitter Party =-.
Oh my goodness that is the sweetest thing I have ever read. I hope my boys can someday act like that towards each other. Congratulations on having such sweet and giving children.
.-= Somer´s last blog ..Totally Random For Your Viewing Annoyance =-.
That is awesome.
.-= Rachael´s last blog ..Holiday Break Thoughts =-.
Wonderful! What a spectacular joy this Christmas morning will be. One that they and you will never forget. Eureka! Indeed .-= Christine´s last blog ..Ho! Ho! Ho! =-.
I wish all parents teach their children this.
<3
.-= Colleen´s last blog ..Baby Its Cold Outside =-.
That is so sweet. I’ve dropped in now and again for many years now. And its been fun to watch your family grow. You’ve made me laugh out loud. You’ve made me think. And today you’ve made me delurk and leave a comment. 🙂
So happy your kiddos are so close.