Tuesday, December 23, 2008

18 cents Is What I've Got

When I was little, there was a Christmas album that we loved. We would play it over and over again. It was called Christmas for Children. The simplicity of Christmas back then rings over and over again when I listen to the album. On the album is a song called, "18 Cents". The kid singing the song is reflecting on what to buy with her 18 cents for her family. This is what she chooses:

1) Two books of matches for Daddy's cigarettes

2) a handkerchief for Mommy

3) doll shoes for her sister's doll

4. ruler for the teacher

5) a bone for Rover

and finally...

a nickel left over to buy the Christmas tree a silver star.

What happened to those simple times? Can you imagine buying so much with just 18 cents now?

I think the gifts that mean the most now are those that from the heart, whether homemade or purchased. Spending time together is the greatest gift that anyone can give to someone. Even if it's just time spent in the nursing home, holding someone's hand or delivering stuffed animals unexpectedly to people who have to work on the holiday.

I'm all for the real meaning of Christmas....celebrating the birth of Jesus, the greatest gift of all.

8 comments:

jill jill bo bill said...

Amen CCDD. Amen.

michelle huey said...

Your stories are always so heartouching. I think I remember this song...
I wish you a very merry Christmas and some of that ol' time magic! :)

controlled chaos said...

That was really beautiful. I don't celebrate Christmas but still it was beautiful. :)

Julie D said...

Merry Christmas from your neighborhood ho ho ho. :)

Unknown said...

I am with you all the way on that post!

travel girl said...

Those were the good ole days for sure.

When I was little, my brother would give me 35 cents to buy a 16 ounce bottle of pepsi. I would have 10 cents left to buy a candy bar. Such great memories.

MarkMcK said...

Hey if anyone wants to hear the song "18 Cents" email me at markmckeown@sbcglobal.net and I will email it back to you. It's one of my favorte Chrismas Songs.
I also have "Mixie Pixie" and "Stocking with a Hole in the Toe" if anyone wants either of those.

Merry Christmas

Rebecca Jo said...

Amen!!! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

 

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