It's the thought that counts. Gifts of the heart!

Now don't get me wrong; any gift is to be appreciated of course. But when you get a special gift that someone put a lot of thought into or hand made for you, well that's a little bit more significant. Everyone seems to be running around, so busy all the time that when you receive a certain item with great symbolism it definitely stands out.

The holidays have become so commercial; it's all about the BIG sales! But in reality, material things actually aren't as important as a present from the heart. I know children look forward to getting the toys that they've seen advertised on TV. But I think older people are more apt to want something that brings back memories of the past or recollections of family and friends that aren't with us anymore.

I wish we could go back to simpler times when life wasn't so complicated and impersonal.  A time when Christmas was a magical place, a place of innocence and hope. I was blessed to receive two special gifts in the mail this week. One was a beautiful "Angel of Friendship" ornament from a very special person; my son's girl friend Lisa. The angel is holding a small brown dog in her arms. This ornament was so thoughtful and touching because we lost our beloved dog a few months ago. It will probably be my favorite gift that I'll receive this Christmas.

The second special gift was a handmade loaf of Cinnamon Bread made by my Sister-In-Law Janie. We all used to spend Christmas Eve together every year. But times have changed and we have all moved away from each other. I haven't had her delicious bread in years. But the memories of Christmases past came flooding back to me when I opened the box and smelled the cinnamon and sugar. I was so excited that I couldn't wait to call her and thank her for it.

It made me think of our big Christmas Eve dinners at my parent's house. And as everyone got older and the families grew we alternated the celebrations at our homes. Janie always gave us our aluminum foil wrapped loaves so we'd have Cinnamon bread toast for Christmas breakfast. It was a wonderful tradition made with love. And as I'm enjoying my cinnamon toast I will be thinking of her and a whole bunch of great memories.

I hope that whatever holiday you celebrate; you receive a special gift from the heart. Because they're the best!