Don't let the chain of love end with you
My Christmas Gift
By: John J. Matyjewicz
Christmas has always been a very special time of the year for me. I take the time to look back on the year and all the years that have past. I look at both good and bad things that I have done and take the time and think about our military and all of our Hero's.
I look back to when I was a kid and we were poor and couldn't afford much for Christmas, but always got one special present. I can also remember when oranges and nuts were presents. I probably enjoyed the oranges more than anything. I believe that Christmas if for kids and I think that every child should get at least one present.
A lot of years ago my wife had asked me what I want for Christmas and I said Peace On Earth. I know this is something that she can never give me, but I always ask for it. Its something that I pray for each year. About ten years ago once again my wife asked me what do you want for Christmas and again I said Peace on Earth, but I also said I want something else. I want you to find someone in our town who is less fortunate and give them my presents.
She looked a me a little funny but with a big smile on her face, because she knew that I was serious.
She told me she knows the perfect recipients. We made a couple of children have a special Christmas.
Well each year we do something special for a family in need. One years we found out about a family that was having a really hard time. It seems that the Husband/Father had taken really ill and could no longer work. He had been in and out of the hospital for over a year and the family was having trouble making ends meet. The Wife/Mother had to go to work to support the family. Not only was she working a daytime job, she also took a part time job to help pay all the bills. The older children were able to help with the younger one and do the cleaning and the cooking and the wife/mother was at the hospital every day. We know that the Husband/Father would be home for Christmas and all they wanted was to be together as a family. They didn't have enough money for a traditional Christmas dinner, so my wonderful wife come to me with my present. She knew how I felt and what I would do.
We made sure all the children had presents for Christmas. We also made sure that there was all the fixings for Christmas dinner and enough food for the entire week. We also got help from the local Girl Scouts and got donations of clothing, Jackets, toys and more food. I also wanted to make sure that the Wife/Mother got a special basket for herself. I know that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and will remember it for years.
There was a year when we gave a very large donation to "Toys for Tots" to our local Marine Corps Reserve. Like I said each child deserves a toy. Each year we now give to "Toys for Tots".
I guess my presents get larger and larger each year because we look for that special need. I just can't wait until Christmas this year.
Take the time and do something special for someone or family this Christmas and every Christmas.