...and then there were EIGHT!

Today was not the most exciting 12 days activity.  We wrote out Christmas cards to our teachers and wrapped their presents.  It had to be done, so I thought why not try to spice it up and make it an activity!  I actually wanted Ethan to stamp some of the cards, but as it turns out, no stamp pad!  So, he helped a little with the presents for all the teachers and therapists while Javi wrote his cards out.  Ethan got tired and bored with this activity very quickly, so we never got to his cards.

We have 15 presents for teachers, aides, and therapists.  We actually don't even give them to every one either.  I only give them to people we know well and the kids see regularly.  I would be giving out 25-30 presents if we did one for everyone they work with.  Not that we don't appreciate what they do, it just would get really pricey to do one for everyone.  They are little Christmas boxes filled with assorted yummy chocolates.  They look pretty cute.

We presented Jamie, our friend and helper, with her present today.  I gave her a "bonus", a gift for her, and one small gift for each of her two kids.  She cried and said it was "too much".   I only wish I could have done more.  She actually told me it was the first present she has received in years.  I couldn't believe my ears!!  She has been going through kind of a rough time lately, so I wanted to do something special for her, since she is always so good to us.  She has offered on more than one occasion to just watch our kids with out payment.  She even came when I was sick and tried to leave with out me signing her time card.  She is such an awesome person.  I wanted her to know how loved and appreciated she is.  We really are fortunate to have found someone that is so great with me and great with our kids.  It felt good to do something nice for her.  She really is more than a "nanny" to us.  She is a good friend.  That is what the spirit of Christmas is all about.  It wasn't about the gifts, or bonus, it was about sharing that bond of friendship and appreciation for each other.  The exchange of thoughtfulness.  It didn't matter who gave what.  That is what gift giving is all about.  We can sometimes get wrapped up in the reciprocating monetary values.  "So and so bought me a $10 item, so I have to buy him a $10 item.".  It really takes the fun out of giving a gift.  A gift as defined by the dictionary:

A gift or present is the transfer of something, without the need for compensation that is involved in trade. A gift is a voluntary act which does not require anything in return. Even though it involves possibly a social expectation of reciprocity, or a return in the form of prestige or power, a gift is meant to be free. 

So while we are out shopping and wrapping and getting caught up in the Christmas hoopla, remember the true meaning of a gift this Christmas.  

To me the greatest gift one can have are friends and family like you...Thanks for following the G5 family blog.  We love you!!!