SallyGanoJones

It’s that time of year when we think more often about gifts: our gift lists for family, for the grown children, and the small children as well as relatives and close friends. My memories of Christmases past reminds me that many years ago, it wasn’t so much the particular gifts I received from my parents or grandparents, it was

 how they gave them to me! 

For example, my father, a devout Christian, led us in a Christmas morning routine that, to this day, is unforgettable. Yes, I do remember some of those special gifts he and my mother gave us over the years, but as I said earlier, it was the way he began Christmas mornings that I now recall.

Daddy wanted each of us to bring our Bibles to the living room as we sat around the Christmas tree as a family. He then began reading from the book of Luke, Chapter 2, the “Christmas story.”  He would pause and ask questions. He did not hurry us through just to get to the Christmas presents.

He wanted each of us to reflect on the real purpose for Christmas and the meaning behind our gifts. And I did. At age nine and ten and as the years went by, I developed a deeper appreciation for the gifts I received. I understood why I received gifts and also why I gave them.

Dad went home to heaven in 1989. I have not forgotten those precious Christmas mornings reading the Christmas story together from our Bibles before tearing open the packages under the tree.

Thank you, Daddy!

You set an example!  You highlighted my understanding of the true meaning of Christmas for me at a young age and as I matured.

That was and is the best Christmas gift of all!