Christmas 1994

Christmas of 1994 is one that I will never forget.  I was six years old that year and my mom and dad had sat me down and explained to me that we did not have the money for Christmas presents that year because dad’s shop was not doing well. I remember being disappointed and upset and since my parents did not let me believe in Santa Claus the situation seemed hopeless. Christmas Eve rolled around and like my parents said there were no presents under the tree. While we were eating dinner I heard sirens outside. At first I thought they were going past the house and then I realized that they were pulling in our driveway. I then saw the flashing lights reflected through the window. I clearly remember wondering what my dad had done to have the police coming on Christmas Eve. I was afraid that they were going to take him to jail… for what I did not know. It turned out that the policeman was one of our friend’s brothers and that they had filled the backseat of his squad car to the brim with Christmas presents for us. Instead of being one of the worst Christmases of my life it was one of the best. It had such a positive impact on me because it taught me to be thankful for what I have because you never know when you will lose what you have. It also taught me the value of compassion and caring for others. I learned what it felt like to be helped at that young age and I decided that from then on I would help others as much as I could throughout my life. The experience changed me and I think it helped mold me into the person that I am today. I am thankful for the kindness of that family that year because without their generosity I would not have that lesson to think back on.