This past Saturday, December 25th, 2021, many of us gathered together with family and friends to celebrate Christmas. For some this was the first time being together in two years. I think for all it was a time to appreciate being able to come together with those we love. We ate, drank, exchanged gifts, and enjoyed being together.

When sharing with friends I was going to my ex-husbands home for Christmas dinner they were astounded. What they didn’t understand was we have children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in common. Our marital status does not define our family. My youngest son had come home from Pittsburgh, we had not seen him since last summer, the whole family was together and that made it special. The prime rib that was served was scrumptious. One of my brothers had come up from Columbus as well.

Gifts, what kind did you give, and what kind did you receive? Was it something material that you always wanted or a kind act that someone performed? Was it from the heart, thoughtful, or an investment of some sort? This Christmas season, I experienced several types of giving, and each one left an impression on me.

The weekend before Christmas, I had my granddaughters, ages 7 and 3 over for the weekend. It was a rainy day, so we did an indoor activity, rock painting. It’s an activity they both enjoy, they painted four rocks each. During the activity, I posted photos on Facebook. One of my friends remarked, I want a rock. I told Malayah and Yesenia about her remark. Malaya immediately asked “grandma, doesn’t she have any grandkids?” I explained to her, she did however they were teenagers. She asked me to share the rocks with my friend, Yesenia quickly said, “mine too”. On Christmas eve, I honored their request and dropped off two rocks at my friend’s home. She was thrilled and surprised. That was indeed a gift from the heart, and an example of sharing, giving something to someone without a second thought. I was extremely touched by my Gbabies generosity.

The last thing my Grandbabies needed was more clothes or toys. I decided to give them something that they can carry into their futures. Malayah is seven and I decided it was time to start teaching her about money. My bank offers a debit card for kids. I opened an account for her and will deposit $10 a month on her card. If she has money left on her card, I will deposit the $10 plus match her balance. Money was never talked about in my home growing up, I want to teach my grands early. I purchased a share of Pfizer stock for Yesenia. She has no idea what it meant but I will continue to add shares and teach both the girls about long-term gain with stock. Teach them how to start a family legacy and wealth.

My daughter gave me a jacket as well as perfumed lotions. My son surprised me when he gave me a journal, I never thought he paid any attention to my keeping journals. He also gave me a crystal jar. I gave them each bath and shower kits. The Princesses also received clothes and plenty of toys. It was a grand day. I also had the opportunity to help a friend who was having a medical issue. I was able to give her some advice for pain relief as well as give her the name of a physician who could help.

The best gift I received was from me to me, I decided to give myself the gift of loving myself, doing for myself at least as much as I do for others. I’m full of love and giving and doing for others. I have come to the realization; I need to love me, care for myself and be good to me. It is time to give myself permission to be who I am and not who others perceive me to be.

That is a gift I will cherish, the gift that will keep on giving, and growing. I felt compelled to write this as I reflected on the Christmas Holiday and gift giving. It was a different type of Christmas, and I am grateful for the lessons I learned.

Until next time,

Peace, Love, and Blessings❤