A Story of Christmas Giving

This wasn’t a breast cancer book club selection but it is a seasonal story that I recently read that I want to share with you all. It’s one for the children. As you may know, I have three little munchkins who are about to celebrate a Christmas that hasn’t been tainted by cancer for the first time in four years. This year, my kids aren’t worrying that their mommy is sick, recovering from surgery, fatigued from radiation therapy … this year my kids are joyful and hopeful and I am so, so blessed.
Next year might be different — as cancer survivors (or women with a family history of breast cancer) we always think that, don’t we? Next year might be different.
All the more reason to hold onto this year and focus on what matters. For me that’s family, faith and giving.
In October 2007 I was blessed to receive a book that encompasses all of those for me: The Legend of St. Nicholas: A Story of Christmas Giving. It’s written by Dandi Daley Mackall and illustrated by Guy Porfirio.
For anyone looking to connect Santa Claus with the birth of Christ and the spirit of giving … here’s your solution. The book’s central character is a modern day boy named Nick. Nick it out shopping with his Dad, wishing he could buy a new CD with his money rather than gifts for his brothers. Then he overhears a ’store Santa’ telling the story of St. Nicholas — a wealthy young boy who used his fortune to buy gifts for others and found tremendous pleasure in doing so.
“Overcome with joy, Nicholas understood his mission in life. This is how he would celebrate Christmas from now on.”
That one line helped me to explain to my children why St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus, was, by the grace of God, allowed to live forever serving the Lord.
It’s a priceless addition to my holiday library. Great if you are parenting with religion — here’s a link to a blog dedicated to just that. And, here’s the Amazon.com link for The Legend of St. Nicholas if you want to order it online!



December 21st, 2007 at 9:47 am
Karen, may you and your family celebrate the most blessed of Christmas joys and may the new year hold much health, much promise and much magic.
Merry Christmas,
Sherry
December 21st, 2007 at 10:54 am
Thanks Sherry — the magic has already begun around here.
Christmas blessings to you, too!