Charlotte, NC

Y’know, as we’re running back and forth to Wal-Mart and Belk’s for goodies to place under the tree, sometimes we tend to forget the real meaning of Christmas.
No, I’m not talkin’ about the birth of Jesus here (although that’s a given … I mean, why d’ya think they call it Christmas, huh??). I’m talking about the giving — of well-wishes, cards, thoughts … of desires for peace, of “comfort and joy,” and of hope.

After talking with some youngsters throughout town (always with a parent present, I might add. The Relic never bends the rules … and respects all), I found some heart-touching thoughts for the holiday (I’m leaving names out here, incidentally. Read the line before this one):

• From near the Square: “I don’t want nothin’. But my brother wants some heelies (wheelies?) ’cause he broke his and I hope Santa brings him some.”
  “I hope Jesus brings my Daddy a job. He wants to make money for us and says if he does we can have a good Christmas next year.”
  “I just want ever’body to stop bein’ mean an’ fightin‘ over there.”
• From near SouthPark: “I hope my mom gets better she has CANcer an’ I want her to have Christmas with us.”
  “Maybe God can give us sun days (note: I thought she said “Sundays,” but it was like you read it, meaning “days of sunshine”) so nobody has to be cold.”
• And from my hometown of Pineville, “I wish I could give ever’body a whole new house and stuff so they won’t have to be poor no more.”
  “I want my daddy to kiss my mommy and be good to her. Do you think Jesus can bring that to her?” (note: When I heard that, I … er, “got somethin’ in my eye” and … well, you know-whut-I-mean).

The point is that, while we’re alllll worried about the bills, chills and ills we get while trying to supply material Christmas thrills, our children are more concerned about the weightier matters of the season. You’d be surprised at how so many of them, while maybe wanting this game or that trinket, are more concerned with the reality of Christmas: that there are those for whom the season won’t be merry, and, of all the gifts we can give, the thoughts, hopes and prayers for their welfare (along with a warm, loving word and, if possible, some assistance) are the most precious.
And, to think: It’s the CHILDREN who are leading us in these … thus bringing forth the truest meaning of Christmas next to Jesus’ birth itself.

And, after all, that’s what it’s all about.