Christmas Chili

‘Twas a year of hard times, a Merry Christmas in trouble
Yet, what happened that night is truly memorable.
Thanks to Casey at the age of eight years,
Did much more than just calm mom and dad’s fears.
Presents for everyone, this little boy gave
But who took him shopping? No one could say.
He searched through the house up, down, all around
Until all his presents for each of us were found.
To dad from Casey, what could it be?
A can of Chili Laredo straight from our pantry.
“Why, thank you Casey, how did you guess?”
“I knew you would like it, you eat it more than the rest.”
All of his presents were, in theme, very similar-
Items we would most often use, eat or wear.
A beautiful lesson, that night Casey taught:
Be grateful for what you’ve already got.
This Christmas season try to remember
The value of Casey’s simple sweet gesture.

My sister wrote this poem. It is a true story. That year Casey had taken her favorite dress in November and wrapped it up. When she opened it up Christmas she was so surprised to find her missing dress. She said, " This is my favorite dress" Casey responded "I knew you would like it, you wear it all the time" How sweet is that. Growing up in a large family Christmas was always bittersweet. You always knew things may not be storybook... but as a byproduct of the bitter came the sweet. We always had tons of love and acceptance. We knew what the true meaning of Christmas was at an early age. Im not sure my kids do.
I was talking with a friend who grew up in similar circumstances and he said, he never minded giving up his perfect Christmas for his little brothers and sisters.

Last Sunday at church the speaker said that just as many of us experience economic hardtimes at Christmas , so did Mary and Joseph.

Enough of my rambling. Just wanting to share some random thoughts and share my gratitude for all the things I already have as well as the feelings of love I have for my family and friends this time of year. Merry Christmas