Ana's Special Christmas

We all have special memories of Christmas that make us think about what we can give to others and not so much about what we will receive. A day or so before Christmas, we were all meeting and discussing what we were going to be doing over the holidays. Ana looked at us with that special look only she can sometimes have and said "I would like to share something with you that is very special to me."

She opened her purse and took out her wallet and went directly to a piece of paper folded very carefully in a special pocket. As she unfolded the paper, she shared with us a very special Christmas story that she is allowing us to share with you.

A few years ago she was working long hours and very hard in order to give her twin boys a good Christmas. However, even with the extra work, she had very little money to spend on presents.

She bought all she could afford and decided that it was time to discuss with the boys where the presents really came from...that it was her who bought the gifts, not Santa Claus or the Infant Jesus. Her boys seemed okay with what she told them, and they opened what presents there were, and after a while, they all went to bed. When Ana awoke the next day, she found the note (pictured above) from one of her sons. I have attempted to translate the note as best I can, and hope it conveys the feeling we saw as Ana explained what it meant to her:

"Mommy Merry Christmas

Thank you for the ball. This letter is to give something very special for you

1: You told us that we would not receive gifts if not from you.

2: The gifts are not the meaning of Christmas but the love and all that that lives inside.

3: This year I am grateful for the time you give as I know you are very hard-working, although I don't get to see you.

Merry Christmas Mommy

From Emy For Mommy"

Ana carries this note with her always to remind her that the true meaning is not what you give or can afford to give, but what is given from your heart and with your love.

We are very touched by this story, because it also reminds us of the true spirit of Christmas...that it is the love of family and friends that is the true gift of the season. We hope you have had a wonderful and special holiday this year.