Amma's blog: "I Am"

These are a list of the items underneath my Christmas tree. But first let me tell you about my Christmas tree: it is a family heirloom. Made by my Aunt in the 1960's, gifted to my Grandfather from her in time, and given into my safe keeping by my Grandmother just this year. 

I have very little money. It has been a difficult year and I shall not open the book of counted sorrows, because I prefer the book of Bountiful Blessings. Within those pages will be found the list of presents that are for me.

1. Two rolls of toilet paper upon which edible mushrooms were grown by my son in his botany class.

2. Two mysterious packages bought from the children's store at the church by my youngest daughter (people donate used items and the children can shop and pick out delights for their parents for a few cents.)

3. Two Christmas balls, one shiny red and one shiny green (mine is the green one) that my husband and I received as a gift from a lovely wedding we attended a few weeks ago. They are still in their boxes, and I will act surprised when I open them.

4. Two yellow packages that may contain a total of four pedometers, free from Blue Cross Blue Shield as they attempt to promote a lessening of insurance costs by advocating for a healthy lifestyle - of which walking is part. 10,000 steps per day.

That is under my heirloom ceramic hand painted Christmas tree (complete with a music box that plays "Silent Night"). Though much of my family will be gone out of town for the holiday, I have my oldest son to share some time with, and my oldest daughter, and my grand daughter. It is for her that I read an excerpt from Chapter 19 of the book "Little House On The Prairie" by Laura Ingalls WIlder. I have owned that book since I was a little girl, carrying it from place to place - never forgetting the description of the excitement of a child at Christmas, no matter how humble the gifts.

" Silent night, holy night

All is calm, all is bright

Round yon Virgin Mother and Child

Holy Infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight

Glories stream from heaven afar

Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!

Christ, the Saviour is born

Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night

Son of God, love's pure light

Radiant beams from Thy holy face

With the dawn of redeeming grace

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "