Christmas 2018

Christmas was simple this year. The kids didn’t know what they wanted and it came up on us so fast that we barely had time to get into the “Christmas spirit.” I decided to change that on Christmas Eve day. I woke the kids up to “jingle bell rock” blasting on our loud speaker. I made them their favorite breakfast, crepes, and we all jammed out.

Next we did some last minute Christmas shopping before I needed to drop them off at their dad’s for the evening.

Side Story:
When we got to Walmart, I loaded my kids out of the car and saw a young man wandering the parking lot, approaching everyone who he could find, asking for money. I looked at him and although I was saddened that he would need to do that, I also recognized that he was probably in his early 30’s, healthy looking, etc. To be honest, there have been times when I was really needing money too so I understand the need. However, I am young and capable of finding work to earn that money. If I needed money so much, I’m very capable of working at McDonald’s to get it. I don’t know his story so it’s not ok for me to judge, but at the moment he approached me and asked me for money, I politely said, “I can’t today, I’m sorry.” My kids were watching and I wasn’t sure what to do. But again, my money doesn’t grow on trees and I work hard for it.

Then, when we were leaving the Walmart parking lot, there was an elderly man standing on the curb, who had a sign that said he was a retired veteran and “any help would be appreciated”. This man could barely walk. He was probably the age of my grandpa. He wasn’t approaching anyone and tracking them down. He was just holding a sign for anyone that wanted to give him money. In my heart and in my mind I know this man couldn’t work like the first man. He may or may not have been a veteran but he sure looked like it. He seemed like he needed the help and truly not as capable of working at his age and condition. I rolled down my window and handed him a $20 and said “Merry Christmas.” He thanked me and it felt truly genuine. 

As we drove away, my kids asked me if I gave him some money. I said I did and explained why. They felt the same way and it made them happy we did that. I truly don’t know if I did the right thing because I don’t know anyone’s story. But, I was glad I helped someone who I felt truly needed it.

Anyway lol, back to our Christmas. After leaving Walmart, I took the kids to their dad’s house for the rest of the day and Christmas morning. I finished up some shopping and came home to wrap, bake and watch Christmas movies.

Christmas morning I went to my dad’s house for breakfast with all my dad’s side of the family. It truly was so nice! I loved every second of it.

My kids came home around 1. My mom, step-dad and family friend came over too. We opened presents and played games the rest of the day. My brother and his family came over a little later to join in on the fun. It was such a great holiday!