Please take a moment to read this.
During this time of year, so many people are under tremendous stress. We all want the best for our children, grandchildren, or loved ones. We stress ourselves out trying to give them everything.
I remember one year when Victoria and I were struggling financially. We had maybe $50 for Christmas. With two small children, we felt defeated. As a man, I especially felt like I was failing my family.
But Victoria had an idea (truth is, she’s always had a way of taking the smallest things and making them special for our family). She said, “Let’s go to the dollar store and buy them a bunch of small gifts.” So that’s what we did.
The night before Christmas, as we wrapped those little gifts, I still felt defeated. Victoria, on the other hand, was so happy, making the best of what we had.
It wasn’t until Christmas morning, when Alexis and Nicholas came running down the stairs, that I learned a lesson I’ll never forget. That Christmas turned out to be one of the best we’ve ever had. Our kids had all these small gifts nothing expensive, nothing grand but they were so excited and happy because Santa came.
Our babies didn’t care where the gifts came from or what they were. They were just joyful to be opening presents, surrounded by love.
That day, I learned an important truth: the biggest and best gifts aren’t what children truly need. They don’t care about the price tag.
So this Christmas, before you stress yourself out or feel like I once did, I hope this story helps you realize that Christmas isn’t about presents. It’s about family, love, and the smallest of gifts given with a big heart.
Mayor Randall Weddle
