The Gift of Giving

One of my all-time favorite things to do during the holiday season is taking the kids shopping at the Dollar Tree and allowing them to pick out whatever they want to give the members of our family. Not only is it budget friendly, it also instills in them a generous spirit because money is no object.

It warms my heart to listen to them brainstorm ideas and walk up and down the aisle looking for the perfect gift. They put so much time and effort into finding something special for each family member. I leave the decisions completely up to them, and for the most part, they do an incredible job. When it comes time to pay, I explain to the clerk that I cannot see the items, but that I will pay for them once they are bagged. Of course, I end up seeing them, but this makes the kids feel special.

Ellie bought me some napkins with Elsa and Anna on them, so that I will have something pretty on the table for Christmas lunch. She bought Eric some razor blades, Beau a hamburger squeaky toy, and she got Eli a basketball goal.

Eli also did a fantastic job. He bought Ellie a Barbie doll, Eric a set of screw-drivers, and Beau some doggie treats. His gift for me had to take the cake. It's the book you see below, "The History of a Pleasure Seeker." And yes, it is about exactly what the title implies. Haha!

When Eric questioned him about it, Eli said that it was a history book because he knows how much I love history. How precious and thoughtful is that? While it won't be gracing my coffee table or be on the top of my reading list, it will hold a very special place in my heart.

This gifts may be cheap, but to me they are priceless because of the meaning behind them. One day we will graduate to more expensive gifts, but I pray that they will always cherish these memories. Most importantly, I pray that they will always give freely and with the same generous spirit.

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