To You, Love Us

With Roland coming of age in understanding, somewhat, the concept of Santa I've really been promoting the gift giving component of the season, rather than the receiving. He's absolutely crystal clear on I-will-get-presents-everyone-is-getting-me-presents. Simply, I want him to know this is the time of the year where we express to those we love how much we care through gestures of gifts.

"Gift" can mean so many things. We all know it's the little, thoughtful ones that mean the most, and often they are intangible. We did our annual visit to McKendree nursing home the other night and our gift was time, attention, and high fives. I'll admit, I was nervous watching two toddlers high-five a 90-year-old but it wasn't our idea! The kids have a special, time-sensitive gift of their size, voice, and exuberance. Somehow they transfer their energy and health in hugs, handshakes and in most cases, just smiles. No stroller this year, both kids on foot, neither at all hesitant. Quite the opposite, I had to beg them to only give away one ornament per person, because they were more than willing to shower everyone with gifts!


It was also a visit of firsts: this was the first time Roland knew exactly where we were and what we were doing and was extremely into it. He's done amazing in the past, but this year he owned the place. He was disappointed when we had greeted each and every guest. Aria was his shadow, equally engaged. And then there was Mrs. Marlene's room, with a simple 2-foot tree and what I saw on it made me gasp. Roland's ornaments from the previous three years. This person had been here for over 4 years, and saved each ornament, adding it to her tree. It was also our first time to be recognized, which was astounding, since we only visit twice a year and it had been 9 months. That really drove home the value of these visits. It was still a wonderful time. The kids even got a couple treats: fake money (apparently this resident likes to tip so her family prints her major bank in fake dollars), candy canes and Hershey's kisses. Those went straight to their stockings. :)


We'll have to see how it goes during the frenzy of gift-giving at our place, but so far, they kids have loved giving gifts this holiday season.