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.