The Gift of Time

As Christmas approaches, I am reminded of a student I had several years ago. 

      Let me preface this story with a concept that I learned: With so many children in poverty and from broken homes, I no longer ask, “What was your favorite Christmas gift?” Kids are conscious of who got the best gifts, who wears the nicest clothes, etc. Instead I ask them, “What was your favorite thing about the Christmas Break? This leaves what was special to each child wide open and judgement is not present.

     Back to the story: The day we got back from Christmas Break, we were all sitting in our Sharing Circle, taking turns, telling what our favorite part of Christmas Break was. When it was this little guy's turn, this is what he said, “My favorite part of Christmas Break was when my grandma and I sat in her rocking chair, snuggled up in a blanket, and she read me a story."

    Friends! My heart melted!! His story wasn't about toys or gadgets. His story was about love. It was about connection. It was about relationships. I wish you could all have seen the looks on the faces of the rest of the students in the class. They got it! They understood how special that time was to this little guy!

So, as you're thinking about what newest toys, gadget, “thing” to get your child, think about giving them the gift of your TIME. Put the phones, electronics, etc, away and spend time with your children. Bake cookies, play board games as a family, snuggle and read Christmas stories, or any story. I'm telling you, as the mother of grown children, you can't get this time with your little ones back. Give them the gift of your TIME and have a very Merry Christmas!