Fun Christmas Shopping

I have decided my best ideas come to me in the middle of the night. Last night as I was trying to settle down after a round of coughing, a scene from a movie kept nagging at me. Each year we watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. The other night, as per tradition, the family piled into the family room and we all laughed through this hilarious Christmas movie. At one point, Clark (for those of you unfamiliar with this movie, he is the main character played by Chevy Chase) has a talk with his little niece about Santa. She asks Clark why Santa didn't come last year, she didn't think they had done anything wrong, yet they didn't get "nothin'".

How many children in our very own country have this experience on Christmas morning? It breaks my heart to think of a child not getting a special gift for Christmas. We are celebrating Christ's birth, we should be showering our children with "birthday" presents on this special day.

So, to follow up on my post from yesterday, I decided I was going to order a toy for several of the special people in my life to be donated to local families who cannot afford to buy their children gifts this holiday season. Off to Amazon.com I went and I had so much fun picking out presents that I wanted to share what I found with you.

To: Uncle Tom & Aunt Deb

You know how much we LOVE your cooking, may we share this love with an area child.

To: Uncle Joe

Your smile, fun, and magic has brought joy to so many Portville children. You are a balloon artist extraordinaire.

To: Aunt Jan & Uncle Nick

You make the most beautiful pottery that you generously share with all of us. May some child discover the joy of making pottery and sharing it with those she loves.

To: Aunt Jill

Your life is all about giving love, whether it is to your children, grandchildren, family, friends, or kiddos. I saw how loved you were at your surprise Birthday party and thought you might like to share a little love with a child who needs it.

To: Aunt Jo Beth

Aunt Jo, I know how much you love animals, so I thought we could share that special passion with a little animal lover out there.

To: Aunt Judy

Your lovely art work and toll painting have brought joy and love to our home. I hope a child can make a special door sign for their room that will remind them they have a safe and loving place to return to.

To: Aunt Lindsay

When Hannah was little you shared some of your beautiful Barbies with her. I wanted to spread that joy to another little girl in the Olean area.

To: My Dad

Dad, you gave me my appreciation and love of nature, may we inspire some young mind to learn to appreciate and love nature as much as we do!

To: Uncle Tom

We all know part of your excitement about moving out of "town" was so you could have some trucks of your own to play with. I don't know many boys who don't share your love of trucks, so I knew a little boy would enjoy reading this book over and over.

To: Mom (Gail) Matthews

Tea parties with you are always soothing and filled with love. Hopefully some little girl will make many wonderful memories with this special tea set.

To: Grandma Salvan

As the great-grandmother, you have snuggled so many babies with joy and pure love. I knew you would want to share your love of babies with others.

To: Uncle Harvey

You are one of the only people I have ever known who was truly passionate about math. You made math fun, as it should be!

To: Leslie (my dear sister-in-law)

You make the most awesome crafts and greeting cards. When I saw this set, I thought of you.

To: Joni

You are my fellow cat lover, I thought we could spread our love for these wonderful little creatures!

To: My Mom

I have the fondest memories of you reading this book to me. It was one of the first books I purchased for Hannah and always thought of you when I read it. It is a great book, thank you for taking the time to read it to me over and over.

To: Jeff (my brother-in-law)

You are an awesome PA who has lovingly cared for me and many others who have walked through the Emergency Room door. I especially admire the way you put children at ease and I thought you would appreciate this book.

When Scott got home from lunch, he found me with a HUGE grin and wondered what I had been up to this morning. It is amazing how much joy giving can bring!

All my love! Nancy