Matt was thinking ahead when we were out shopping last week and picked up this awesome soccer ball. We planned to give it to him for Christmas, but since practice starts next week, why wait? Matt told Hayden all the way home today that Santa called and told him there was a special delivery for him. Hayden searched the house and found the ball in his bed. He really enjoyed unwrapping it and immediately went to the park to play with it.
It just so happens, as I was leaving work today, I stopped to pick out a couple of things off the "wish tree" at school. They pick a few deserving families at the elementary school and adopt them for the holidays. Some of them ask for basic needs such as clothing and shoes, and some of them throw in a few toys as well. One of the little tags called out to me. All it said was, "Boy, 3 years old, soccer ball." I knew this had to be one of the things we contribute this season. My little boy is so blessed and has so many toys, I wanted this little boy to have something new too. Hayden and I will be going to the store to buy the exact same soccer ball he just got, for the little boy. I may also let him pick out something he likes to give to the boy as well. Who better to choose a gift for a 3 year old boy than a soon to be 3 year old boy? There was also a tag for a 40 year old woman that wanted a sweater, so I chose her as well. Sometimes the children get chosen first based on the fact that everyone likes to supply children with things first. That's not a bad philosophy, as long as deserving adults receive something as well. I will find the perfect sweater for this lady maybe a pair of cozy slippers or something to go with it. We may not be rich people, but we do care and will do our best to contribute everything we can this holiday season. I love showing Hayden that receiving gifts is not nearly as important as giving back to people who have less. We may spoil our kid rotten, just as we were as kids, but as long as he has a grateful heart and understands the importance of giving, he will be a well rounded man when he grows up, just like his Daddy :)
