“Please! Tell me what Christmas is all about,” my friend begged yesterday. He was joking, of course. Anyone who’s grown up with Christmas in their lives knows exactly what it’s all about. I’m no exception. As far back as I
“Please! Tell me what Christmas is all about,” my friend begged yesterday.
He was joking, of course. Anyone who’s grown up with Christmas in their lives knows exactly what it’s all about.
I’m no exception. As far back as I can remember, Christmas has meant a jumble of warm, fuzzy memories of pleasant hours spent with friends and family.
My parents saw to it that we spent many of those hours at church, so that we would never lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas.
But being young, we also devoted many of our pre-Christmas hours anticipating the big moment when we could finally open the presents piled up under the tree.
Somewhere along the path between childhood and motherhood, I discovered that it was even more fun to give than to receive. I found that nothing gave me more pleasure than the joy even a simple gift could generate on the faces of someone I loved.
That feeling has never changed. As much as I appreciate the generosity and love others share at this time of year, I will always be happiest giving to others.
Again this year, with the help of the Zonta Club of Kaua’i, I have discovered how many other people on Kaua’i and elsewhere feel the same way.
As tough as times are this year, I have been overwhelmed by the generous gestures and donations made by so many of our readers.
People have sent checks, some with the only provision that their contributions be “anonymous”. They are willing to help without even asking for public acknowledgement of their generosity.
Businesses like TLC in Kapa’a have delivered donations of clothing, goods and toys. The bellmen, valets and shuttle drivers of the guest services department of the Kaua’i Marriott donated brand new toys for needy children. “Buy them something your kids would want to open at Christmas,” was the directive they were given.
A youngster carefully counted and wrapped quarters and dollar bills, sending in a donation of $13 of his own money for people he will never meet.
Mrs. Monica Morikawa’s advisory kids gave up lunch hours for several days to decorate their classroom door at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, hoping to win the $30 contest prize so they could donate it to the Zonta Garden Island Christmas Fund. They did win and they did donate it.
Agencies that work with the Zonta Club to identify clients who need the most help have toiled tirelessly to coordinate, collect and distribute the donations that have come in.
Individuals have brought in packages and boxes of household goods, clothing, and even food.
And monetary donations have trickled in, even in these tough economic times.
It has all helped to put the true spirit of Christmas in perspective for me this year as it does every year.
To all of those who have helped the Zonta Garden Island Christmas Fund this year and in years past, a big mahalo.
To those who have taken the opportunity to teach your youngsters, students, children, grandchildren, the joy of giving to others, congratulations.
To those who have worked hard to make this all happen, consider this a job well done.
I wish I could share with all of you the little messages of heartfelt gratitude that come in from those for whom Christmas “would have been just another day” but for your help or the calls of tearful disbelief that a community of friends they haven’t yet met would open their hearts to help.
It warms my heart and it should warm yours.
Mahalo, again and may you have the happiest of holidays this year and always.
TGI Special Sections Editor Rita De Silva can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 241) or e-mail mailto:rdesilva@pulitzer.net.
