The true Christmas Spirit

Christmas morning our trio trooped downstairs and gleefully headed towards the Christmas tree. As is tradition, they started at their stockings and giggled over toothbrushes, treats and little toys. Traditionally, a present from Santa comes next – but this year, the children wanted to open up a sack full of gifts from the celebrated Jack Taggert. Jack is an 8-year-old boy in our ward, who our children think of as a superhero - they’ve even made up a song about him.

On the Sunday before Christmas, Jack gave us a large brown bag full of gifts for our little ones; he did it discreetly so our kiddos would have the extra delight of a surprise on Christmas morning. One by one, they took the wrapped presents – obviously wrapped and labeled by Jack himself – and opened them. Inside they found stuffed animals that had been loved and played with by Jack during his childhood. There were three stuffed animals for each child. Eli opened a small one, and it was a beloved koala bear – one that we have seen at the Taggert’s house many times. We knew it was Jack’s favorite and treasured stuffed animal. He would share it with his brothers and sister, but with strict warning to take good care of it. Now, he gifted that loved toy to Eli.

As I looked around the room, tears swelled in my eyes, Alex’s eyes and Avery’s eyes. I said to Avery, “Are you going to cry?” And she replied, “Yes. I’m just so happy!” The tears streamed down our faces and we identified that feeling of joy as the true Christmas Spirit. It was the best way to start our Christmas morning.

 

 

For thank you notes, each child selected a stuffed animal and drew it on watercolor paper, and then painted it too. I think they turned out cute.

 

 

Here's Big Sis and her parrot - which is coming very handy for all of our pirates when playing Peter Pan.

 

 

Here's Lil Sis and her lil chick.

 

 

Here's E! and a hedgehog ... doesn't this pic look like a bad mug shot? lol.

 

 

So here's a cuter one.