Dear Readers: Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Happy Family! Joy! This is the time of year that families gather and share their love with one another. It is a time of reflection and contemplation. For many, it is a time of
Dear Readers: Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Happy Family! Joy! This is the time of year that families gather and share their love with one another. It is a time of reflection and contemplation. For many, it is a time of remembrance, recalling happy and sad moments from the past year and considering how to move forward into the next.
For my family, the Christmas season represents a pause in an otherwise busy schedule. Typically we go home, which means Baltimore, Md., where I grew up. It used to be that we gathered at my family home. After my father died, 11 years ago, my mother moved. While we do still make a special visit to her home, we spend more time at my sister Stephanie’s. She has three children, an actively involved husband and a dog. Her home is where Santa pays a visit. Her home is where the children, my daughter included, go to bed early so they can get up before dawn to sneak a peek at the gifts under the tree. Her home has become location central for all of the food, fun and intrigue that the season annually promises. My sister Susan, who lives in Los Angeles, Calif., usually phones in. We wait for everyone to get up and then we open Aunt Susan’s box of goodies that she sends well in advance. As the box top comes off, perfectly wrapped boxes for the children appear, as well as little trinkets for the adults.
Many years ago, we adults pledged that we wouldn’t give one another gifts anymore — that gifts would only go to the children. But somehow we can’t help ourselves. And usually we sneak in a little item or two for one another.
Better though is the gifting that Stephanie began more than 15 years ago. She coordinates an adopt-a-family campaign where each household in our family donates a certain amount of money that goes toward holiday gifts, food and fun for a deserving family in need each year. My mother and sister go with the Baltimore kids to shop for the items on the family’s list. And they also deliver the gifts before Christmas to ensure that the children in particular get to have their magic under the tree, too.
This is the season of giving. As I think about what we will do on this special day, I also go all the way back to my grandmother, Carrie Freeland, whose memory remains vibrant in my awareness. Little Grandma, as we called her, lived the message of generosity that infuses this holiday every day. She always came bearing gifts for our entire family, even the dog. She consistently thought about those in need. She committed her life to serving others so that those in her midst would feel loved and supported.
I thought it was important to remember the good experiences of this holiday season as we celebrate. I encourage you to pay attention to the high notes of your celebration. Cherish the connections, and identify the traditions. And don’t be afraid to express untethered generosity. You will feel great as you remember to share with others.
