A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal. Steve Maraboli
If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed about the Christmas holidays ahead, this story by John London, may give you another perspective.
I hurried into the local department store to grab some last-minute Christmas gifts. I looked at all the people in the store and grumbled to myself that I would be here forever and I had so much to do. Christmas was beginning to become such a drag, and I wished I could just sleep through it all.
I wondered if all my efforts to buy these gifts for family were worth it.
I found myself in the doll aisle, and out of the corner of my eye was a little boy holding a lovely doll. He kept touching it so gently. I just kept looking at him and wondered why he was holding it so lovingly. His Aunt came over and impatiently told him, that he didn’t have enough money for it and told him to hurry up as she was going in a few minutes.
After a bit, I asked the boy who the doll was for, he said his sister wanted this doll so badly for Christmas.
I told him that maybe Santa would deliver this to her and he replied, “No, Santa can’t go where my sister is, I will have to give the doll to my Mummy who can take it to her.”
“Where is your sister,” I asked.
“In heaven, and my Daddy says that Mummy is going to be with her very soon.
My heart nearly stopped beating as the little boy said. “I told my Mummy not to go yet, because she has to wait until I got back from the store with my sister’s doll.”
The boy lowered his head and I reached into my purse and pulled out a handful of bills to pay for the doll and shortly after, the Aunt returned and took the boy with her.
I could not stop thinking about the boy and when I got home, I remembered a story I had read the week before in the newspaper, where a drunk driver had hit a car and killed a five-year old girl and the mother was now on life support and I realized this must be the same story that the boy had shared with me.
Two days later I saw in the paper that they had disconnected the life support from the boy’s mother.
That day changed my life forever and my attitude towards Christmas and those I love.
We make a living by what we get; but we make a life, by what we give.
John London
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
Very touching story, Karen. It really does give one pause to consider our many blessings. ❤
I agree Eliza. The craziness of Christmas can blur the real meaning of giving 💚
Thank you for the reminder Karen xox
Your welcome Yvonne! 💚💕
I get the point of people who can get stressed at Christmas, but for me it’s really the most beautiful moment of the year. And the magic of your cute and touching article reminds everyone why this period is so warming and mesmerising…
Thank you for that!
🤗🤗🤗
Yes I agree, I love Christmas time too and perhaps that’s because we grew up learning that it is a special time to celebrate. I see many families who don’t have that experience. Thank you for being here 💕💚
Thank you for your post! Made me feel that magic is already here… 🎄☃️🤗
So touching. May we not forget the magic and love that we can bring to the world by our own kindness 💕
Yes I agree Val. So true 💕💚
Awwwwww! ❤
I know, I always love sad stories! This one touched my heart! Thank you Mary 💕
Life turns on a dime. We just have to remember that. Wishing you a blessed holiday season!
It can turn at any moment. Thanks Kristine. As we prepare to swim and beach it during our holidays, I hope you keep warm throughout your festive season. ☀️🌿🍁🎄🎄☃
So heart-achingly beautiful, Karen.
Thank you Carol. 💕💚
The tears won’t stop!
Sweet blessings to you, Karen, for reminding us the true meaning of giving!
💜
Oh, you are a sweet soul Lorrie. Many blessings to you and may your Christmas and New Year be peaceful and joyful 🎄🎄
You, too, Karen. Thank you 💜
That is so heartbreaking!
I have always been enchanted with the Christmas feeling, the experience, the magic.
It is the slow leaking away at this over the many years, the rigidity that commercialism has brought, that saddens me. or maybe its just me…..
To strip this holiday right back, to the emotional connections, would be and is what we all probably need, most.
It’s true Debi. To see this time through our hearts and not our wallets. Thank you for your comment 💚🎄🎄
my pleasure 🙂
Beautiful story
Thanks 🙏🏻🌈