Vintage Christmas

I remember the times when I was growing up, that toys were not something that we had in our house all the time. My parents did not believe in over indulging their children so consequently we usually had to pick maybe one item that we wanted real bad and hoped and prayed that it was under the tree. That "special bicycle" for my brother or that "special doll" for me was eagerly awaited for months before Christmas. We dreamed of that special toy and made plans in our minds what we would do if we got it, but that was never for sure, for we had hard times in our family. My dad always came through though somehow. He would wait until Christmas eve after we had gone to bed before he would bring any presents in. He must have known we would snoop! He was right. I wish my grandchildren could experience that same feeling of joy on receiving that one special toy. Too often, they have so many toys and they get them all year long anyway that that "specialness" has gone out of Christmas for them. In these days of our failing economy, maybe there is a silver lining to all of this. Our hearts need to return to the real meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Lord and the love of family and friends. Merry Christmas everyone.