Christmas Joy

On New Years Day I had the wonderful opportunity to see the spirit of Christmas first hand. You see, my extended family exchanges presents together at the start of the new year and have done so in this way for more than 40 years. Since the beginning, my grandfather and grandmother have entertained their children and cousins on this day in their small farmhouse near a small town in Missouri.

With 13 aunts and uncles and more than 50 first cousins in this group, there are usually 70+ people ranging from their early 60s down to less than 6 months old in the room to exchange gifts. In this chaotic joyous frenzy, all of the gifts are handed out and opened in a very short period of time. Because of the activity, the flying wrapping paper, the sheer number of people and the confining space of a 65 year old farmhouse living room, most of the individual moments go unnoticed.

My nephew Jack (9 years old), who was walking by my 5 year old cousin Seth in the Christmas chaos, noticed that Seth was crying and that something was very wrong. Jack stopped to ask him what was wrong and why he was crying. Seth responded that he didn’t receive any toys!

Almost without thought, Jack looked down to the only two toys he received and presented Seth with his best toy! He said, “Here, you can have this one. I don’t have to have it. I have other toys I can play with at home.”

My eyes were welling up with tears! I was floored at this huge act of charity. I was so proud of my nephew and what he had done when he thought no one else was looking.

After giving him a huge hug, I could only confirm something that Jack already knew. He had demonstrated the true meaning of Christmas! 

By Krsity