The Holiday Season

What ever happened to Christmas?
It seems that people are too caught up in what they want for Christmas, and all the "retail" sales that are going on, instead of the true meaning of Christmas. I had a customer come through my line yesterday that was a Catholic priest and he took a minute and told me about a little boy in his Church. I guess this little boy and his family are pretty poor and he wasn't sure what their Christmas morning was going to be like, because his Dad got laid off from work a few months ago. Well, the Priest was very moved with how honest the boy was that he told them that the Church could help them out. (In Utah, they have the Catholic services too) I guess that the little boy told him that he didn't want anything but wanted to make sure his younger brother and sister got something cause he didn't want them to hate Santa. The priest was at Sam's Club buying a doll, a truck, coats, etc for this family and it really made me think. I was just about crying at work. But what a great thing for this little boy to think of his younger siblings over himself. How many kids would do that nowadays? I know that this priest wasn't just telling me a story, cause I have seen him help others right in our store. But it sure made me think.
I remember several Christmases when we didn't have much, and Mom sure made them great anyways. I still have a little purple dog that she crocheted for me when I was in the 5th grade. She used to make so many cool things for us and make Christmas awesome. Remember the Christmas ornaments that she used to make out of everything from styrofoam and plastic (with animals in it) to pictures on cds. She used to glue them onto the shiny side of the cd and hang them up.
So as you are all out there running in circles to find the newest video games, cds, toys, coats, etc. Think of those who may not have as much and see if you can donate something to them. I know that we don't have much this year, but I always give money to the Marines so they can use it for the Toys for Tots program. Plus, as you walk by that Bell RInger in front of the store...drop in a handful of change...every little bit helps.
I know I am sounding like I am preaching, but I am not, it's just my opinion but after talking to that Priest and hearing about that family, it just made me think a little more about the true meaning of Christmas.
Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season, and I love and miss you all.