So many special holiday memories

Talk about it

We have all heard the old adage that it is better to give than to receive, especially at Christmas.

Looking back at Christmases past, present and future, I think that receiving is every bit as good as

giving, if not better.

When I look back at Christmases, there were so many special presents not because of the item, but of the thought and effort that went in to the giving. No matter if the clothes didn’t

fit or were not my style, it was the thought that counted.

I remember how special my first bicycle was because I knew it really stretched my parent’s resources to buy bikes for four sons.

I remember a customer on my paper route who gave me a flannel shirt, and days later I saw their boy wearing an identical shirt to school. Did they think I was worthy of a gift they would give to their own child?

I have received so many great gifts and topping the list were things made by kids. Some gifts were not wrapped.

Growing up in Arizona, I remember my first white Christmas in Montana. The invitation to a co-worker’s house that first winter away from family, hardly expected and I doubt if they

know how much it was appreciated.

I’ve been blessed and these days

have very few wants, but it doesn’t mean I treasure gifts any less.

One of my favorite gifts is Christmas cards with a picture of someone’s family. All of these cards are special because the giver

really understands that Christmas is all about sharing with others what is really important to you.

My kids have been out of school for quite some time and my granddaughters live miles away.

So an invitation from a co-worker’s daughters for my wife and me to attend their Christmas program is an incredibly thoughtful gift.

The greatest gift of all is time spent with people you care about. Whole families getting together for Christmas is seldom possible.

Someone has to work or lives so far away it isn’t feasible to bring everyone together. So many folks because of the oil industry in our area will

be separated from their loved ones this Christmas, and others will

miss friends and family members who have passed away leaving emptiness at Christmas.

There are 28 families in Connecticut that have an unimaginable loss this year. Hopefully the gift of Christmas memories will give all those separated from loved ones some small measure of comfort and peace.

Merry Christmas.

Brock is Dickinson Press publisher.

Tags: opinion, column, columns