Merry Christmas! This will be my last post until after Christmas, so please allow me to wish you all the loving embrace of friends and family.
My mom raised me to share Christmas cheer in whatever way I could, even if it’s a simple matter of giving someone a little bag of homemade candy or a jar of homemade jam. Those folks who work in my building can attest to the fact they receive a little jar of goodness from me every year. It’s my way of bringing them a bit of joy.
When I was a little girl, Mom made Christmas goodies for friends and neighbors who were alone during the holidays. There was one neighbor who had never married and lost his sister, his only close family, when I was quite young. Mom baked him an orange slice cake (similar to fruitcake), made homemade jelly, and a pie of some sort every year. She also made or bought him a small gift. We often delivered these things to him as a family.
I remember one particular year when I was in my early teens. He answered the door and smiled when saw us standing there. Then his eyes lit up when he noticed all of the goodies Mom had arranged in a box for him.
“We’re out spreading Christmas cheer and want to wish you a Merry Christmas,” Mom said as she handed him the box.
“You shouldn’t have gone to such trouble for me, Ruth,” he said.
“We love making these goodies, and we want to share.” Mom smiled and nodded toward the box.
Our dear neighbor went on to tell us how he appreciated the thoughtful gift and visit from friends. We chatted for a bit about life, work, and school. I’m not completely sure, but I think we sang a Christmas carol together. My memory is a bit fuzzy as this exchange happened many years ago.
Mom still makes homemade goodies to share with others at Christmas. She taught me that no matter how much you have or don’t have, you can always find a way to spread Christmas cheer.
I hope my little memory has brought you some Christmas cheer.
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