I've never been one for "favorites". I have no favorite color. I like too many... for different reasons. The same can be said for movies. books. people.
I just don't do favorites. which doesn't bode well when trying to fill out those holiday internet questionaires that are going around again. You know, the ones that ask about your taste for eggnog, your wrapping preference, and your favorite childhood present.
Well, I don't like eggnog. I have a large stash of recycled gift bags up in my attic. and in following suit with my inability to pick favorites, I simply can't think of the best gift I ever received.
Being one of only three grandchildren on my mom's side, I was never lacking in the gift department. To point it mildly.
I can think of many presents that I really liked. and a rare few that I still have. Yet none that ever made my Christmas complete. at least that I can remember.
But there is one Christmas that stands out. for a reason having nothing to do with something you upwrap.
It was the eve of Christmas Eve. We were all sitting around in Nana's living room...not touching the piles of presents calling out to me from under the tree. Unfortunately, opening presents was off-limits that evening. Well, except for one that my Papa always let me sneak! *grin*
Out of the blue, someone suggested we play a game. Twenty Questions to be exact. Brilliant.
We played for hours. I've never seen the adults smile so much. laugh so hard. let loose like they did.
I loved every single minute.
The memory, to this day, still makes me smile. So if Family Time can be considered my favorite gift, I'd pick it. For so many reasons.
This year, for us (and most everybody else, I'd wager) money is tight. And wisdom warrants cutting back wherever we can.
But I find peace in remembering that long-ago Christmas.
For if my favorite Christmas memory comes from a couple of hours of game-playing with the adults, then I'm determined to give my children that gift.
