I’ve spent the last few weeks trying to find a Dusty Crop-hopper remote controlled plane that actually flies because that is the only thing my boy says he wants for Christmas. I consider this year, his fifth, to be our first real Christmas with him because he is able to anticipate the holidays and remind me every, single day that all he wants for Christmas is that airplane. I even had to send a text message to Santa to remind him of my child’s singular request.
Well, I called around, searched online, and then found out that there is no such thing as a “flying Dusty Airplane”. I was pretty bummed even though my boy is the type of kid who will end up playing with a box or wrapping paper and be just fine. I had placed an artificial pressure on myself because I wanted to make his first real Christmas “perfect” so the topic of the latest “Love and Logic” newsletter felt like kismet. The folks over at Love and Logic reminded me not to let the holidays distract me from what truly matters:
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The Most Beautiful Gift: Never-Ending Love
Have you noticed how much effort some folks put into finding just the right Christmas gifts for their child? I bet you know someone who doesn’t think twice about spending endless hours – or even days – scouring store shelves for that awesome action figure, digital doodad, or doll their child has been wanting.
Let’s think about it. Is there anything wrong with this? What’s the problem with spending lots of time and energy looking for neat and nifty Christmas gifts for our kids?
Nothing. But…
What happens when we exert more energy on finding these gifts than showing our youngsters what a gift they are to us?
Ouch! I’ve done this. Yes, I’ve fallen into this trap! I’ve worn myself out trying to make things perfect and have forgotten the most perfect gift of all: the expression of never-ending, unconditional love.
We’re all wired to need it. All of us yearn for a relationship with someone who will love us forever, regardless of how stinky we behave. Isn’t this the greatest gift we can give our loved ones? Isn’t this what Christmas is really about?
During this Christmas season, my hope is that you’ll…
Spend more time playing with your kids than you spend shopping for them.
Remember that the gift they really yearn for is you.
Hug them and smile into their eyes as often as possible.
Show them through your never-ending love what a precious gift they are.
If you found the Love and Logic newsletter as timely as I did, let me know in the comments. Remember, try not to be too hard on yourself.
(I’m not affiliated with Love and Logic. I just love their program.)
Black Mothering 
Wonderfully stated and desperately needed.
Thanks Steva.