thomas family

It's that time a year again. Christmas! It's magical. It's fun. It's happiness. It's lovely. It's laughter. It's good. I've read my Christmas book {THE DAY THEY GAVE BABIES AWAY}. I've found fun Christmas music. I just finished cooking gingerbread men. I'm even contemplating decking my halls.


The decking part always comes slowly for me. We are never in our home at Christmas. We always go home. And I think: why should I pull everything out and then leave it, with no one to appreciate it's glory? But, then I remember that yes, I do have four children that enjoy this time a year, and yes, I do need to deck my halls. And yes, when it's done, we're all happy.


I'm the 3rd of 7 children. My children are 4 of 17 grandchildren. For years we have drawn names for gift exchanges. It's fun. Christmas morning comes and we gather and spend HOOOUUURRRRS exchanging 24 gifts plus extras for Ed and Jill {Mom and Dad}.
Well, this year we have come to our senses. We will not be exchanging gifts. We sat the children down on Monday and told them that they would not be receiving gifts from my family this year. After only a minute of shocked silence they asked why. The obvious question: What is the real meaning of Christmas? was asked. And then we discussed the importance of serving and helping others less fortunate.

This year Heifer International will receive our gift. We will buy a cow. And a goat. And some chickens. And a llama. And some sheep. And they will be given to families who need these animals to sustain themselves. Eggs will provide zinc and iron. Milk will provide sustenance and income. Wool will provide clothing and income. Goats and sheep will multiply and will be passed on to other families. Each generation will multiply, impacting communities for generations to come. I'm excited writing about it. My children are excited to participate. I hope this will help them to experience a bit of gratitude and service this Christmas season.

Then when Christmas morning arrives and the Casillas Clan gathers, we will bring the best White Elephant gift ever {found in each home, no money spending allowed!} and laugh and remember this Christmas morning as the first of many when giving was more fun than receiving.


Cousins - 2004