Explaining Christmas

Marie is at the age where EVERYTHING needs to be explained.

"Mom, why does December come after November?" 

"Why do we wear coats?" 

"Why do we lose baby teeth and get big teeth?"

"Why doesn't Bennett have teeth?"

"Why do birds eat seeds?"

"Tell me why???"

 

This is adorable and frustrating all at the same time. Some questions are easy to answer and some are more difficult.

Along with this questioning comes the excitement and wonder for Christmas. 

 

She wants to know why we give gifts, why Jesus was born on Christmas and not in June, why Santa comes on Christmas Eve, and how many days until Christmas again???

 

 

I was feeling overhwelmed with all that Christmas brings: the baking, the buying, the rushing around to find the gifts at the best price, and then we were given a mission from Andy's parents - give to someone who is not looking for anything and share your story.

 

We were so excited for this opportunity.  Andy & I try to be gracious and giving with our many blessings but sometimes we can get so caught up in our own worries to realize how blessed we really are.  Not only did we have a successful and safe move with our family this year but also Andy is in a residency he truly enjoys, we have a daughter who keeps us on our toes, and a healthy baby boy. We have always given to someone in need at Christmas but this year we were going to share the experience with Marie.

 

During a rotation this fall, Andy met a particular family who has had a difficult year.  A difficult delivery followed by a loss of a child. Andy was a part of the delivery and visited the family at the infant's visitation as well.  The family has a 4 year old little girl who enjoys some of the same things Marie enjoys. So, we took her to Target and explained as best we could that some families don't have presents under the tree. Once again Marie had several questions for us that were a little more difficult to answer.  She was so excited to pick out the items for this little girl.

 "Mom, I want her to have a happy Christmas just like me."

 

 

The gifts for the family were delivered yesterday to the family and we received a beautiful note of gratitude in return. Not only was the mother thankful for the presents, but also for Andy's presence at her child's delivery and funeral visitation. This reminded me to be more accepting of his time away from our family as he is needed at the hospital more than I will ever understand.

 

This was such a special note to receive and I can't wait to share it with Marie. I hope she understands how good it feels to give to someone else when they are experiencing a time of need.

 

 

Merry Christmas!