My parents always encouraged us to make our own gifts. Gifts we create ourselves, they always stressed, would certainly be appreciated more. It was their way of not only shielding us from the over commercialization of Christmas but more so of encouraging us to be be creative and imaginative.
And so for many years, from when we were toddlers up to our teen years, the week before Christmas was spent secretly rehearsing and writing and drawing and painting, each in his own corner, creating that special gift for Baby Jesus and our parents.
At times it was a poem. Or an essay. Or a letter to Baby Jesus.
At times it would be drawings. In pencil and in charcoal. Or paintings in water color, pastel and even oil.
At times it would be a performance. A song. A dance. Once, even a one act play.
1972: With siblings Wawel (left) and An (right), we sing Christmas carols to the Baby Jesus
It was a lot of hard work. But also a lot of fun. And we all looked forward to sharing our gifts during Noche Buena.
Thanks to his teachers in Little Sandbox, my four year old Gabi has started to put this tradition in practice. His gifts to Patty and me this year were all made with his own hands. All created in school over a two week period. All made with love.
2010 Calendar
Key and Pen Holder
Hand Print Weight
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