As I look at all the pictures everyone is posting of all the gifts and toys for their children for Christmas, it takes me back to one Christmas I was financially struggling. That year I explained to the kids that they would not get as much as they usually get, because financially I couldn’t afford it, but I’d get them the main things they wanted. Their Christmas list was a lot smaller than it normally was, and I was able to get most of what they asked for.

That Christmas morning they woke up to a few less presents than they normally had, but they were happier than I’d ever seen them! I don’t know if they were happy with what they got, or they were happy to just be able to still celebrate Christmas with the love we shared. That one Christmas made me realize the true meaning of Christmas. The gifts were there, but the love overpowered any gift they could have gotten. If they only had one gift, they knew how much I loved them and how much more I wanted to do. I can remember tears rolling down my face, and Christina said, “Mom, you give us Christmas everyday! We are ok because you told us what was happening!” How powerful was that!

As long as your kids know you love them everyday, and some Christmases might not be filled with gifts, but the gift of love you give them will last forever!!
Everyone have a wonderful Christmas!! Enjoy the day with family, because someone won’t be around for the next Christmas!! Thank you Lord for the celebration of your birth!!

Merry Christmas
The “Real” Mommie Teresa