A MInute for Parents

Summary

Are You Planning for Christmas Yet?

Article

By JoAnn Hibbert Hamilton

My Christmas tree is still up, although it is only a four-foot table version. So am I slow in putting it away or early in putting it up? The truth is that I am having trouble taking it down for two reasons:

(1) I had some surgery and have been very sick for several months, and so Christmas was nice – but difficult. Now I am enjoying that tree, the Christmas music I can play on my piano and the anticipation of giving the last set of gifts to one last family that I haven’t reached yet.

(2) I read an article that I put in some special place—so special that I cannot find it. It related how an older couple announced to their family that what they wanted for Christmas was to have each family do service for someone else. Each family could plan it, do it, and then share with them on Christmas day what they had done. That would be their gift to these grandparents.

They said that their family members were hesitant, but finally consented. They came to understand that this older couple really didn’t need “things” any longer, but that this would make Christmas really special.

Evidently the first year they did this, the reporting was a little awkward, but family members started to get the idea of how special this could be. They got so excited about it that they started planning for their next project just as soon as Christmas was over, and they decided to bring pictures to illustrate what they had done.

The following Christmas this family gathered together in somewhat of a circle and shared what had gone on that year. If I remember correctly one family had given service off and on all year to the homeless shelter. Another family made quilts and left them where abused children could use them. The enthusiasm reached an all time high as the service extended throughout the year.

I have seen the act of giving service actually rescue troubled youth as well as put a light in the eyes of children. One youth, who had a tendency toward suicide, started giving service at South Davis Community Center. It was joyful to watch the attitude of this youth change. Purpose was restored and self-worth increased.

I was so very shy as a child and a youth, but my mother had sacrificed to let me have violin lessons. I took those lessons seriously and started playing violin solos for other occasions as early as in Primary. By high school I was playing at weddings, funerals, church meetings, in youth meetings, and all over the county for various functions. One opportunity led to another and as an eighth grade student I started playing with Utah State University’s Orchestra because they needed more violins. With the service I rendered came a good feeling as well as confidence that I could do something worthwhile. Then my mother joined a lady’s club so I could have the opportunity to serve at their luncheons. As I look back, I raced from one commitment to another, happily feeling like I was contributing. ?

Now as my grandchildren enter my home, they bring me a leaf, a stick, a seed, or a picture. I am glad they are learning to give and to share at early ages.

Is it really too early to start giving “Christmas service”