197 ~ Christmas Surprise

By Kay Heitsch

I was never taught to believe in Santa. I don't know why, except maybe because of my parents' childhoods.

At Christmas time, as soon as the Christmas tree was up, any gifts were put under the tree. I don't remember receiving any gifts from anyone except my parents.

One year, there were hardly any gifts under the tree. Mom explained that it had been a challenging year financially, so that was the reason why.

I don't remember feeling too bad about it. I enjoyed what we did, aside from any gifts, anyway. I did miss shaking the gifts, trying to figure out what was in them.

We usually opened any gifts that were under the tree on Christmas Eve. So I did open a pair of pajamas, which was one gift I always got. Mom and Dad were into practical gifts.

On Christmas Day, Mom told me to go across the street to the gas station because one of the guys there had something for me.

I ran over to the station, and there waiting for me was a set of skis, boots, and poles. Living in Michigan, we had a ski resort nearby, so during the Christmas break, I learned to ski.

This was a surprise Christmas for sure! I got a lot of use out of those skis, too. Another practical gift from Mom and Dad.

Remember how I led you on this long journey. Deuteronomy 8:2