The heart that gives….gathers. – Tao Te Ching
The Gold Wrapping Paper
There was a man who worked extremely hard just to keep food on the table for his family. This particular year a few days before Christmas, he punished his little five-year-old daughter after learning that she had used up the family’s only roll of expensive gold wrapping paper.
As money was tight, he became even more upset when on Christmas Eve he saw that the child had used all of the expensive gold paper to decorate one shoebox she had put under the Christmas tree. He also was concerned about where she had gotten money to buy what was in the shoebox.
Nevertheless, the next morning the little girl, filled with excitement, brought the gift box to her father and said, “This is for you, Daddy!”
As he opened the box, the father was embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, now regretting how he had punished her.
But when he opened the shoebox, he found it was empty. He asked her why.
The little girl looked up at him and whispered: “Daddy, it’s not empty. I blew kisses into it until it was all full.”
The father felt awful and put his arms around his precious little girl. Thanking her for his gift.
An accident took the life of the little girl only a short time later. It is told that the father kept this little gold box by his bed for all the years of his life. Whenever he was discouraged or faced difficult problems, he would open the box, take out an imaginary kiss, and remember the love of this beautiful child who had put it there.
Often we feel pressured to give each other material gifts at Christmas, but what I loved about this story, is how special it is to receive a gift from the heart. It is priceless.
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
Wow. Beautiful. Tears…
It was very touching. Thankyou Carrie.
Yes, so so priceless. I am in awe of the beauty of this.
Thankyou, I appreciate that Nico.
Aw, so beautiful, Karen for this holiday season. Gifts from the heart are the best, especially from a child. Such a touching story. I can see why you picked it. ❤
Big hug and love,
Mary
It is a great holiday story. Children create the best gifts. Thankyou Mary, big hugs to you.
crying–crying–crying
can’t express it in words…
Oh, thankyou Akhila, it is a moving story.
There is a lesson to be learned in RESPONDING rather than REACTING. We have a tendency to get caught up in life’s daily stresses and sometimes lose perspective while in the middle of turmoil. Sometimes turning to the heart rather than the brain offers the better solutions. A great story to share this time of year.
Yes you make a good point Jonathan. Often I have reacted in situations, instead of waiting or being patient with others. Our heartspace always changes our perspective and mood. Thankyou.
Beautiful story Karen.
It is thankyou Irene. 😉
So beautiful!!
Thankyou so much.
So touching Karen. Certainly a reminder in our gift giving this season.
It was a reminder to me too Don. Thankyou.
As with all the commenters, I was very moved by this Karen.
A heartfelt story indeed. Thankyou Hariod.
Loved this. The best giftt is always something from and of oneself.
I agree Emilie. 🙂
A very touching story which brought tears to my eyes for everyone I know that has lost a child, including a friend who just lost her son the night before last. I love this thought that there are kisses forever for those they loved, and I am wishing this for you and everyone that has lost someone, to be able to continue to always feel that love.
I am sorry to hear about your friend who just lost her son. It is a difficult journey to embrace. There are kisses forever, and tell your friend that no-one can ever take the love she shared with her son. Many blessings.
Thank you so much for your kind and loving worlds.
🙂 xx
Reblogged this on dreamweaver333 and commented:
Thank you
Thankyou Dreamweaver.
Wow! This made me cry. What a beautiful story and life lesson.
It is a beautiful story. Hugs to you Elizabeth.
What a beautiful and touching story…in the true spirit of Christmas. XXX
I thought the same Carol. Thankyou. xxx
Karen, I love this story. My father-in-law always asked for a ‘box of love’ for Christmas. I found the most elaborate;u decorated box and would set it under the tree every year and fill it with heart-shaped post-its and we would call it ‘his box of love.’ ♥
What a beautiful story Yvonne! I think that is such a lovely idea. Everyone needs a box of love. 🙂
I HEARTily agree! ♥
🙂 xxx
Very beautiful story, Karen. Moved me to tears and warmed my heart.
I agree. A heartfelt story. Thankyou Helen.
I am fleeing from the commercialism this year even more than usual! I want hot chocolate by the fire. Time with my kids. Experiences, not things:).
Me too Kay. I think this is what we all need, lots of hugs and love not things! (well maybe the kids have other ideas ha!)
Beautiful post, I had tears in my eyes reading it… I love Christmas, but I don’t like that many people seem to only like it because they get expensive presents. The greatest present is the present. I don’t spend many dollars on gifts, it’s not about the money. It’s the thought that matters. When I give something to someone I love, I wanna thank this person for being part of my life. Because to me, Christmas is about spending time with my family and friends, and to appreciate the real precious things in life: everything without a price tag.
Your comment is beautiful and this is the true essence of giving. Thankyou for sharing and for being here.
touching. thank you.
Thank you Vicki 💙💜
Thankyou Vicki
One word…….beautiful.
It is thanks Kath. ❤️
Thank you Karen, for sharing. I was keen to give ‘hearts ‘ this Christmas, so I crocheted door hanging hearts. Blessings for sharing this heartwarming story. Suz.
Thanks Suz, what a great idea you had. It is always so nice to receive a thoughtful gift. I appreciate your comment.