Christmas Traditions and Gift Ideas

My husband and I expanded our card and gift store by renting the additional space next to our business. It was a scary time, as the rent was now double what we paid before the expansion. I ordered more merchandise to fill the new space at added cost to operate the business. I prayed we would have the customers necessary to pay all the bills. At Christmas, my husband and I decided not to give each other gifts, as finances were stretched both by the store and our personal obligations, including two mortgages on our house.

On Christmas Day of that year, contrary to our agreement, my husband presented me with a huge, heavy gift-wrapped box. I was upset because I had not gotten him anything. He urged me to open the present, so I unwrapped and opened the box. There was another package inside, so I opened that one. Then there were three more boxes to open. Each one was a little smaller than the previous one. Finally, I opened the last one and there were two house bricks and a brightly wrapped jewelry box inside. With trembling hands, I opened the beautiful box. Shining brilliantly was a two-caret diamond tennis bracelet. I gasped and then I cried. The bracelet was on my wish list, but I never thought I would own one.

When I started crying, my husband asked me, “Don’t you like it?” He was afraid it wasn’t what I wanted. I protested, “I love it, but we have no money right now.” “Those are the very times you need a lift, a special present. I love you and wanted to surprise you,” he answered. Well, he surely surprised me! That occasion was twelve years ago, and I still wear the bracelet every day to remind me of his love. The bracelet still shines brilliantly and brings me great pleasure. It was a perfect gift then as it is now. Now that my husband is deceased, it means even more to me. I feel the comfort and the devotion my husband showed me whenever I look at it sparkling on my wrist. It’s almost as if he has his hand on my arm.

My husband bought me many pieces of jewelry throughout our years of marriage and each piece was selected with love and my enjoyment in mind. Sometimes he designed a special piece and the jeweler created it. The jeweler was excited when he was able to fashion a unique gift. When I wear the jewelry, I feel the love he had for me. It is an experience that really can’t be adequately described in words.

Because of my husband’s selflessness and generosity, I now make every gift occasion one of joy and thankfulness for the person’s presence in my life. He taught me the true meaning of giving and how to give from the heart. For that wisdom I will always be grateful.

Christmas is fast approaching and the malls are buzzing with holiday shoppers everywhere. Oh, the wonderful holiday spirit and magic is upon us!Each year, I reflect of Christmas times gone by of when I was a little girl and the belief of Santa was instilled in me. It was a belief that no one could take away from me, a belief that was mysterious in every way yet was one that I, without an ounce of doubt, believed in until I was 11 years of age.

Santa Claus, also known as St. Nick or St. Nicholas, is depicted as a fat, jolly old man with a white beard and dressed in a red suit trimmed with white. Each year on Christmas Eve he rides a sleigh full of toys drawn by eight reindeer to bring gifts to all the good girls and boys, entering houses through the chimney and leaving gifts under the Christmas tree.

Alright, the thought of this fat, jolly man coming down a chimney always stumped me. How could he possibly fit and why didn’t he get stuck in the chimney? Or, what if one didn’t have a chimney?

The tradition of Santa Claus is passed down from generation to generation. Parents and adults everywhere instill the magic of Santa into their children from birth and up. The excitement it brings to see their children believe in this jolly, old fellow and the look of delight on their faces when they see the presents under the tree on Christmas morning is undoubtedly one of life’s joyous occasions.

Through the eyes of a child, Santa Claus is their biggest hero and strongest belief. Santa is probably the world’s most recognized figure and the mysterious aura of Santa creates laughter, happiness and excitement in children everywhere. This is the reason why the tradition of Santa is passed down from generation to generation and will continue on throughout the ages.

I am passing this tradition and belief to my two young children, and this year will be a memorable Christmas. My 18 month old son is still too young to understand. However, my three year old daughter is now beginning to recognize who Santa is and what he represents. It will be exciting to relive past traditions of putting out cookies and milk for Santa on his busy night and to see the look of delight in her eyes on Christmas morning.

Yes, I still believe in Santa! The belief in Santa as a man may be gone but the spirit of Santa still lives within me. Christmas is a magical time where people everywhere unselfishly give to one another.

Chocolates, special gifts, and holiday gift baskets are being sent and given all over the world. Kindness and joy is spread, families and friends are brought closer together, new memories are created and the tradition of Santa is passed down to our children.

This is the spirit of Santa Claus! Merry Christmas to All!