by Susan B. Anna

Created on: November 20, 2009

Growing up poverty stricken as a child of public assistance I wasn't very aware of what we didn't have but mainly focused on what we did. It wasn't so bad not being able to dress like the other girls in school, or not having the best toys because we were happy, loved and most of all blessed with a wonderful family and a very devoted mother.

I remember one Christmas in particular when my mom and step-dad truly went out of their way to make it one of the best Christmas' ever. We didn't have any decorations displayed, no lights on the fire escape like our other neighbors and no Christmas tree, so my sisters and I didn't expect it to be a glorious Christmas but a usual one.

To our surprise that Christmas morning we awoke to Christmas music blasting from the radio, and the smell of rice pudding cooking on the stove, but the biggest shocker was the enormous Christmas tree my mom and step-dad managed to get into the house while we slept which was now proudly displayed and adorned with candy canes, red and green ornaments and filled with lots, and lots of presents. Unbeknownst to us my step-dad received a huge Christmas bonus and was able to give us the best Christmas we ever had.

While we unwrapped the gifts I can recall how happy my mom was just watching us, and how excited we became when yet another gift was handed to each of us that Christmas morning. That Christmas we learned what a true Christmas should be like and every year since my mom has tried to outdo the other by adding another tradition and bringing us closer together on one of the best days of the year.

We were used to not having an elaborate holiday season, and we enjoyed visiting those friends who did, but we never truly lost out. It was a personal holiday season we were used to sharing solely as a family, and my mom at least always managed to get us one gift and a wonderful meal and even though that special Christmas morning we were lavished with the very best the one thing that mattered most was us being together.

This is the day that Christ was born and that in itself is cause for celebration, so even the simple way of celebrating is appreciated. I believe that since I knew all too well how little we had before my step-dad joined us, that it sculpted me into the woman I am today who doesn't take anything for granted, but cherishes every blessing we were given. Family, love and an abundance of joy throughout the season, that couldn't simply be measured.

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