December challenge.

This is the time of year we really start to think about what we want for Christmas. My kids don't know what they want because there are no commercials here to tell them what they "need". Little by little they see things in the store and decide what they are going to ask Santa to leave under the tree. But this isn't really about my kids... it's about me. And you.

When I was a kid I wanted everything. My list to Santa looked like a purchase order for Toys R Us. As I got a little older, I wanted things like video games and the good art supplies (I'll still take some of these, please). But now, Barbies, stuffed animals and crayons have been replaced by things like covered serving dishes and a muffin carrier. (OMG I seriously want it.) A Body Sculpting Bar with a $10 rebate. Swarozski crystal. Rainboots. (Okay, so that one is an all age thing, I just never had any real use for them before Italy.) But really, I just want to feel apreciated.

The point is this. We grow up, we grow out of some of those phases we went through earlier in life and that's good... because the truth is... now we get to play with our kids' stuff. (I can't WAIT to open Sophie's kitchen playset.) Maybe the thing is that we can buy ourselves what we want throughout the year and so there is nothing we don't have by the time Christmas rolls around... Or maybe it's just the fact that it really isn't important to recieve anymore... because we finally "get" the whole "giving is better" part of Christmas.

I know the best thing about giving is seeing the joy that comes from being thought of. Truthfully, it's been quite some time since I've gotten gifts from someone other than family. I think it's time we step out and choose one person we wouldn't typically give a gift to and give. Something small. Something wrapped. Something thoughful. The month of December I challenge you to give SOMEone SOMEthing special. The bus driver. The store clerk. The girl who makes your coffee. The gate guard, military folks. This is the time of year that we ought to be ashamed for not thinking of others,.. and since it just won't do to be ashamed... get out there and do something special. I would bet it'll be something that person you chose to bless will remember for a long long time.

It's a challenge, but it's something I bet YOU will remember, too. And let me know how it goes. I'm curious. Merry Christmas, everyone.