It’s our first Christmas as parents. And we’re being
responsible shoppers. I mean, yes, I did already buy my kid the first dump truck ride-on/push
toy I saw a Christmas ad for and threw in Llama Llama Holiday Drama because who
can resist that little llama?? And there’s the Christmas jammie and ornament
tradition we plan on starting. Did I mention that I bought him a winter coat
this week too? It’s getting cold here in Tennessee and we’re headed to
Wisconsin in two weeks and I started to freak out a little bit, so off to Old
Navy we went! It’s a fleece lined puffy coat that he’ll probably sweat in, but
he won’t be cold no sir! Since we were out I made a stop at Target for more
diapers and socks. And I haven’t mentioned this, but we’re dealing with another
bout of ear infection so it was a trip to the doctor and more antibiotics this
week, with Brian and I each taking off a day to be with him at home.
Sigh.
The holidays are also when nonprofits ask the community to
help out the less fortunate, especially when it comes to children. Those families
who can’t “throw in” a book to their Amazon cart, pick up diapers willy nilly,
make a less minute doctor’s visit, buy a warm coat without a second thought for
buying groceries (hello formula) or paying the rent or the heating bill. Those
who can’t take off from work to be with a sick kid. Those didn’t put in an
offer on a house again yesterday. Those who aren’t sure where they’re going to
be living at Thanksgiving or Christmas. Gratefulness for the ability to provide
for Caleb has been emotionally overwhelming this week.
This always happens at the holiday season, but it really
hits home as a parent. I felt it last year too, nine months pregnant, with a
job that was going to let me take off twelve weeks paid, boxes of clothes for the little one to come, friends and
family ready to pitch in, plans to deliver at a hospital that resembled a
country club. I was grabbing those little sheets at Starbucks with families in
need like a crazy person, first the older child because they often get
overlooked, then at the last minute a toddler like I imagined my baby might be
in a couple Christmases. My husband didn't say a word as I shopped for gifts for them, mostly
because truly his heart is as soft as mine in this area.
If I seem to resemble the Grinch in trying to calm the storm
of PRESENTS. PRESENTS FOR THE BABY’S FIRST CHRISTMAS, know that part of that comes from this place. When I think of my baby
who likes a cardboard box as much as a toy showered with Christmas presents*, I
also think of the baby who needs a warm coat or warm pajamas. Who’s only
Christmas present will come from a place like Family Sharing (MKE) or Last
Minute Toy Store (Nashville).
As our family heads in Advent I hope that we continue to
think of others as much as we think of ourselves.
*With his first birthday three weeks later, no less.
No comments:
Post a Comment