When Circumstances Squeeze Wish Lists
Sneaking down the hall, I was astonished to see my parents arranging bows on two bicycles. I convinced myself they were only helping Santa Claus and scurried back to bed.
No wonder the ironing board behind my bedroom door tormented. The clothes hanging on its legs looked exactly like a red suit in the moonlight. Santa was in my room! I pulled the covers over my head trying not to peek or move.
Even though guilt ravaged my sleep, the jolly elf left me presents every year. Some years he brought me boxes and boxes of toys; other years only a few.
I catch glimpses of those toys in photographs. They are all gone. All gone except one, a rag doll. A doll whose face is stained and whose arms are patched.
The elastic in her clothes disintegrated. Bright pink bloomers are secured with safety pins. Her hair gone. Her shoes lost. However, embroidered blue eyes and french knot freckles expose a bright countenance beneath the shabby exterior. She could be revived.
Now I’m the parent who gives presents, and I understand the reasons behind Santa’s choices. A handmade doll stitched by my mother was all that could be afforded one year. I didn’t notice the lack of other presents. I was happy with my doll, so happy that over the years I hugged her hair off.
When circumstances squeeze our wish list, maybe that’s not such a bad thing. The focus can shift back to the things that matter most: family, relationships, love.
I didn’t keep a muslin doll for over twenty years because she was one of a hundred things I wanted. I kept her because my mother made her just for me. She turned scraps into something beautiful and special. Something I can share with my daughters.
As I pull the doll out of the closet, my little girls gasp,
Grandma made this for you? You played with this dolly when you were a little girl? What happened to her hair? Can we play with her?
I smile,
Yes. Let’s get a needle and thread. You can help me fix her dress. What color hair shall we give her? She used to have yellow braids…
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~Renae Deckard
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Our society has become so focused on things, and on getting more, more, more, that we forget about what’s important unless we’re reminded. Thanks for reminding us.
Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas and a wonderful 2009!
Barb
This is the very first year that we have EVER had money for gifts that were not homemade or from the thrift shop. And in the end I think the handmade ones will be the favorites anyway. And next year I think we will go back to mostly homemade because I think this years are less memorable and certainly not worth the extra money spent on them.
what a sweet story. Thanks for that.
That’s why I make gingerbread houses every year. Sweet memories. :)
Wonderful post!! Thank you for the reminder of what is really important.
I didn’t keep a muslin doll for over twenty years because she was one of a hundred things I wanted. I kept her because my mother made her just for me.
Thank you for sharing about your relationship with your mother. I can see how precious your mother is to you and how much she means to you.
This also reminds me that while God blesses each of us as individuals and families with varing material & physical wealth/gifts, which are not wrong in themselves, how good and most important it is to be loved by the Giver of the gifts, and that from His heart He freely gives to us The Greatest Gift.
A Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Blessings!
A beautiful post. It reminded me that the memories are more important than the items.
Blessings on you!
Marilyn
Homemade with love is always the best.
Thank you for the sweet story. :)
The link to this post was sent to me by a friend today and it really ministered to my heart. We are having a very lean Christmas this year (but Praise God we have what we have!)and I just made my dd a rag doll. I was feeling a little embarrased because its my first project ever (teaching myself to sew) and was hoping I could have done a better job. Wow. You really have given me something to remember in terms of how special it will be one day to my dd.
Awesome post. Thanks :)
Hello dear friend,
It has been so long since I visited and commented. I have missed you and your beautiful posts!
Simplify – this is my struggle. I would love to do it, but my husband grew up as the poor kid in a group of friends from very rich families. I guess he wants to make up for how it made him feel to be left out of getting all the latest and greatest toys by overindulging our kids at Christmas. So, while I want to buy special books and make special kits custom designed to our kids interests, he is buying a $400 Wii with all the gizmos and gagdets to go with. ) :
Love and Hugs and Merry Christmas,
Mandi
I hope you all have a glorious Christmas full of peace and wonder!
Heather,
That is reassuring to hear. We didn’t get as many homemade gifts created as I wanted to, but Sunshine made her little sister a doll bed out of shoe box. It’s already become a treasure. Sweet Pea keeps it right next to her bed and tucks her stuffed puppy into it every night. :)
I do remember a few other toys that I played with for years: a blue 10-speed bicycle, a huge trampoline, and a doll house. But even those kinds of things don’t have to be new to be enjoyed.
Deb,
That is so true! Your comment reminds me of James 1:17:
Our very life is a gift of love.
Amber,
I saw your doll. She is absolutely adorable! If the pictures of her in your daughter’s arms are any indication, that doll will be well-loved.
I hope that next year will bring blessings and increase to your family!
Mandi,
Yes, I’ve missed you, too! I got worried about you, so I’m thankful you sent that note when you did. Glad you are back online. :)
Adding the handmade element is not always easy. I imagine your gifts might be overlooked in the excitement of gaming stations, but your love won’t be forgotten.
One year I made Bug a small scrapbook. He hardly looked at it when he opened it. Now it still in a prominent place on his shelf. He even asks me to look at it with him sometimes.
Love this post. And your reflection. I am glad I read it. Blessings to you. See you next Tweet. ;)
What a wonderful story!! Thank you for warming my heart!
[...] presents When Circumstances Squeeze Wish Lists at Life Nurturing [...]
[...] Renae at Life Nurturing Education shares with us a time when things were simpler and hard times meant being innovative during the holiday season in When Circumstances Squeeze Wish Lists. [...]
Homemade gifts also help keep that person close in your thoughts. My mother was a master knitter and made us all socks, sweaters, blankets, and slippers. After she died last year they meant all the more to us because they were a constant reminder of her love and her presence in our lives. The children’s reaction to her things often bring tears to my eyes. One daughter wore a dress she smocked every Sunday for almost a year and the afghan she knitted lies at the foot of her bed neatly folded.
What a very sweet story. Thanks for sharing.
Renae, wonderful post!!
Happy New Year to you and yours!