Christmas is over, and most of the presents are put away. I say most because the books I decided to give are still here and there, waiting to be read or written or drawn in.
Even though I got some unexpected money from Santa to buy presents with, I decided I still wanted to give each of my children and grandchildren a book for Christmas. So I searched the internet for some ideas, free printable pages, recipes and articles. Designed some simple covers, and wroted some comments and personal thoughts to make each book unique or special.
Each of my 5 children received a book containing 4 stories I had written when they were children. One of the stories was written during a time when 2 of the children were receiving treatment for a congenital disease they had. My son spent several weeks confined in the hospital to a bed due to traction. He didn't respond to many things, but one thing he did respond to was reading. To keep things varied and special, I would write a short children's story at night after I put the other children to bed, and take it to the hospital the next day. As I read the story, I would have him draw a picture to go with the story. Of the many stories I wrote during that time, I only have the original of this one, for the rest were given to other mothers with children in the hospital or kept by the nurses to share with other patients. 2 of the stories I included were ones that the children would take to school to share with thei
r teachers at Halloween and at Christmas. The 4th story I included was one I wrote and have shared with many primary classes throughout the years. One of the girls said she didn't remember these stories, but another daughter was thrilled to have a copy of them and remembered the times she shared them with her friends at school.
r teachers at Halloween and at Christmas. The 4th story I included was one I wrote and have shared with many primary classes throughout the years. One of the girls said she didn't remember these stories, but another daughter was thrilled to have a copy of them and remembered the times she shared them with her friends at school. My 3 year old grandson received an activity book that contained coloring, tracing , counting and matching games and pages. The 5 year old granddaughter received a book of paper dolls and clothes to play with. The 10 and 11 year old girls received some fill-it-in journals. I wasn't sure if the 10 year old would really like it, but she was thrilled with it and said it was just what she wanted, and the smile and her face said as much as her words. For the older 3, ages 16 and 18 I gathered some family recipes, and included some ideas of things you could cook in a microwave or easy dorm meals for students. Then I personalized each book with my testimony, some ideas on being a missionary, some personal traits I admired, some values to live by, and some suggestions from others in foster care on how to make personal changes. Finally for a precious great-granddaughter, age 1, who is always in my heart, I printed out some personalized Disney stories for her I hope she will enjoy.
I thank the Lord for the spirit of creation he blesses me with. This is not the first Christmas, nor I am sure will it be the last, that a little thought and originality will be given and received with love. Creativity is one of the gifts the Lord has given me that I have been able to use throughout the years to touch family, friends, neighbors and even strangers in powerful ways. I pray that I will remain open to the spirit of direction and will continue to touch the lives of others for many more years.
