The Christmas Spirit

Christmas means different things to different people. As a child, Christmas was completely about Santa Claus to me. As an adult, it became about spending time with family. This year, I was having a hard time getting excited about a holiday I had always enjoyed.

Thursday night, Bert and I watched National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase. I had (shocker!) never seen it before. I know, I know. Anyway, I thought it was a pretty terrible movie. Sorry - I really didn't enjoy the over-the-top humor. Still, though, I suppose it had some redeeming qualities in a few of the one-liners, the main point, etc. Well, after the movie, Bert looked around our living room and said, "At this rate, we won't even have Christmas next year." Because of traveling, we didn't put our tree up and our only decor were our two stockings, a tiny tree and an ornament.

As I went to sleep that night, I decided that I would change that. I woke up Friday morning and while Bert was at work, I wrapped tons of gifts, put more decorations up and put our holiday cards all around the mantle. Christmas had finally arrived and overtaken our living room. I even put the little tree on top of the mantle so that all of the gifts were pseudo under it. Bert was so surprised and loved it. I loved it. He said I had saved Christmas.

I was feeling really happy. Well, later Friday, I had to go and fulfill a community service requirement for Junior League. Honestly, I was dreading it. I had tons to do, and normally I'm the kind of person that would rather write a check. I know, that sounds terrible. But it was the truth.

I got to the Boys and Girls Club and as it turned out, they didn't need any help, as their Christmas party had been moved. Goody, I thought. I could get some other things done. I went and closed the door to my safe little car.

"Hey!" a little 7-year old girl called out. I opened my door to see what she and her friend wanted.

I spent the next hour playing with Brianna and Sabrina in a parking lot in the middle of the projects.

I have not stopped thinking about them since. They sat in my lap, told me about school. They were best friends, one in second grade and one in third. I gave them some Skittles, thankful I had shopped for stocking stuffers earlier in the day. And what really sealed our friendship was the fact that I was able to play both "Soulja Boy" and "Party Like A Rock Star" for them. They were showing me the dances in the parking lot. It was hilarious.

It was hard hearing them talk about how people in their family had been shot. Sabrina's older brother, Dre', confirmed that their family had moved from Michigan when "Bri" was a baby because so many members of their family had been killed. So sad.

In that hour, I met two little girls and a little boy who have been on my mind for days now. I told them I would come back in January - and I meant it. These were smart kids. Well-spoken, amazing dancers and so full of personality. Especially mischievous little Sabrina. That little girl could do a mean air guitar to "Party Like A Rock Star."

When I got ready to leave, Brianna asked if she could write their names on a piece of paper so I would remember them. As if I could forget them. They threatened to jump on the back of my car and go with me.

As I drove away, I realized that just because of where these children started in life, their lives would be very different than mine. If they were the exact same kids born to a middle-class family, their lives would be almost certainly be wholly different. It's just not fair.

And so, I found my Christmas spirit as I drove away from the Boys and Girls Club Friday afternoon. I felt something different than I ever felt before. The time I spent was worth far more than a check. This was so different. And I can assure you I got just as much from them as they did from me. Maybe I can be that person to someone. Maybe, just maybe if I go and volunteer more of my time these children will take something from that time that can better their lives. But regardless, I know for a fact that I will be better for it.

And so this year, I found the spirit of the season by making Christmas in our home for Bert and by spending time with Brianna, Sabrina and Dre'. I have never felt like I have received so much.

Labels: holiday