The Christmas decorations are packed up (neatly this year) and stored in the attic awaiting its next appearance in 2018. The memories of loved ones with whom we celebrated are stored in pictures and in my mind. The stories of those who have passed were retold and a few tears could have fallen. What I am holding dear this recent holiday is SIMPLY SMILES.
Smiles from the three grandchildren who received four packages each during the family gathering on Christmas Eve. Smiles from the adult children and spouses who received one gift – albeit there could have been more than one item in each respective box. Smiles from Papa T and I who had asked that no gifts be bought for either of us and they were all good to follow that request.
After the packages were opened and the major paper and boxes were cleared, there was one more bag of smiles for the group. All 10 of us were wearing reindeer antlers and each antler had a number that corresponded with a numbered item located in the nearby laundry room. (All items were Sam’s-sized so the laundry room was well stocked.) Papa T and I were numbers 1 and 2 so we could give them a clue of what was to come. I chose the two pack of peanut butter. Papa T chose the four pack of window cleaner.
It was a Christmas White Elephant melee of very useful household items, e.g. 16 pack of paper towels, 24 pack of t-paper, Cascade, fragrance free laundry soap, paper plates, 18 count box of mac n cheese, picnic condiments packaged with two ketchups, and insulated travel cups.
The comments, stealing, freezing and laughing that transpired during this exchange was absolutely priceless. When it was getting to the end where items were soon to be frozen, family units began going over their needs list at home and became strategic: almost out of laundry soap; sure need those insulated travel cups for the DART; I think we only have one roll of paper towels; I want to keep mine because it has two ketchups (the 4 year old), etc. When the last item was frozen, I left the room for only a moment. When I returned to the gathering, I saw smiles and heard belly laughter. Everyone was sharing their household bounty.
They were opening packages and sharing the paper towels, t-paper, mac n cheese, window spray, peanut butter. There was even offers to share the large packages of paper plates and insulated travel cups, but those stayed intact AND the four year old got to keep the condiments with her two ketchup bottle. What a sight for parents to see. On our faces one could see SIMPLY SMILES.
May your 2018 be filled with good health, a grateful heart, and SIMPLY SMILES. Happy New Year.
Teresa Pontius Caves is the president of the Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation.