Since before Halloween my six year old has been singing the "I want" song that most kids start singing. It actually got old by Nov 1st but I did start threatening to tell "Santa Claus" until Dec 1st (A lot of self control on my part-LOL). It really bothered me that Connor was all worried about what he was getting but never really spoke of what he wanted to give. I felt and to a point still feel as if I have let him down by not stressing the true meaning of Christmas.

Like many parents over the years I have been really big about getting Connor a lot of stuff. Toys that within a month will be disregarded. Becoming nothing more than expense pieces of broken plastic that has to be thrown away. All for the excitement I see in his eyes as that happy scream that only an amazed child can make on Christmas morning.

This year it will be delayed for a day or so. Connor went up north to meet his Memaw for the first time. He's been playing in real snow (We don't get much of that around here) and of course the adventure of his first flight (which his father said he did well with). So I have had time to really think about what I want to give him for Christmas.

As I do a mental check list of things he expressed an interest in as well as his hobbies there's a gift that keeps popping up in my head that I feel he really needs. It's priceless and one that will take him farther than any hot wheels or video game, I want to give it every year so he never forgets. I want to give him the true meaning of Christmas.

I want him to carry it in his heart everyday of the year. To love open and pure. To give of himself even when he might receive nothing for it. I want him to embrace all the beauty around him. Even when that beauty seems so hard to find.

I know this is a lot to ask of a six year old. I figure if I start now laying the ground work that it will be well established by the time he steps into adulthood. I'll make sure that the tree still holds a few of the things his heart desires most at the moment. I'll watch with joy as he tears into each and every one. But it's the gift of the true meaning of Christmas that in time I hope he will learn to cherish the most.