Holiday Help

[burgandyrain]

So I signed up for the gifts for kids programs in my city.  With my husband not working right now and bills, bills, bills, I knew we would have little to nothing to give the girls for Yule.

I signed up for one program, and my mom (bless her heart) referred me to the Toys for Tots.  I did get a little red postcard in the mail last week that told me to go down to a local thrift store to pick up my gifts. 

I was elated!

So at 10:00 this morning, I found someone to cover for me at work and went merrily on my way to get my girls some goodies to open.  I had to pull over on my way back to work to see what the loot score was.  I tore into those bags as if it was MY presents that awaited inside.  Wow....one outfit for each girl....and stuff they would not wear if they were down to their last thread (think grandmother).

I knew my mom was volunteering for the Toys for Tots (remember she referred me to this one but I never heard anything from them) so I called her near tears and told her how I didn't think it was fair that some people got referred to one agency that gave out clothing and others got to go to magic toyland in the mall and pick fun stuff to give their kids...really...it should be a balance. 

My mom told me that the TfT letters got sent out late and to just come in and tell them my situation because they probably were not going to turn ANYONE away.  So I walked up to the desk in front of magic land and told them that I was referred but never heard back (getting ready to launch into this big plea for help) and they looked on their little sheets and LO AND BEHOLD!!!!! My name WAS on there after all.

I got my oldest Apples to Apples which she asked for along with a puzzle that glows in the dark.  I got my youngest an Idog (she will be completely tickled with that since grandma is getting her an Ipod). and a little stationary set. Then I also got to pick out a board game for them to share so I got some word bluffing game...my girls and husband are the worlds best bluffers...

Now before you all go and say that the holidays are not all about getting gifts and yada yada yada, I just want you to stop and think how YOU would feel to get nothing from your mom or dad.  I am so very very grateful to be able to give them something that will be able to put a smile on their faces.  We have lived so tightly for the last 6 months it really feels good to have something to give them other than my support and love. 

Last night I was trying to teach my DD how to wrap things and she was so frustrated and yelling at me.  I looked at her and said....If I were to be paid to do this I would still put the same amount of effort into it as I do wrapping things for you and your sister and anyone for that matter.  We  do these things because we care about the people who are recieveing them...just like I put effort into washing and diligently folding your clothing just so you can stuff it in your closet; How I put effort into making filling healthy dinners that you turn your nose up at; how I make sure I  have gas in the car to drive you to and from school and events, etc. etc. 

I then proceeded to tell her that if I was paid for all those services....I would be rich beyond belief, but I would not be happy inside because life would have no meaning so if she wanted to live a meaningless life, she could just smash up all that wrapping paper and make the gift look awful.

She shut up.

I am sitting at work letting my junior high kids paint clay ornaments while I play holiday music on my computer.  I feel peaceful, happy, content.

I have my little nephew tomorrow for a while and then our coven is having our Yule party tomorrow night.