Last Friday, Colin and I drove the 25 gift bags and 8 garbage bags filled with coats and snow pants to the school in North Minneapolis. Upon arrival, we were ushered into the lively school. The energy level was high while the students prepared for the end of the school day. We entered the classroom where the first graders were having a pizza party. The teacher announced we were visiting to bring each student a gift. One little boy yelled out, "is it an Xbox?" When we told him no, it wasn't an Xbox, he asked with equal excitement, "Is it candy?"
Colin and his friend Erin began calling out the names of the kids in the class. Each child came forward to collect their bag. Some bounced forward and shouted a thank you. Others came forward cautiously and muttered a quick thanks. And then they began to open their bags. They were so excited about their new hats and mittens. The little boy who hoped for an Xbox decided he might never take off his batman hat! A little girl who received a purple sparkly hat with a pom pom on top beamed as she bounced around the room in her hat. They discovered the crayons and candy and chapstick and stickers. Each new discovery resulted in excitement. Is all of this just for me?
Colin beamed from ear to ear as he watched the kids open their bags. He talked to the little boy for whom he made a bag and card. The little boy said thank you and Colin thought that was so cool. As we help the children take the tags off their hats and open their candy, we all felt really happy. As we left the classroom and headed back to our car, Colin said "That was really fun Mom! I am so glad we got to do that."
For me, watching him filled with the thrill of giving without the prospect of receiving was the best gift I received this holiday season.
(pictures from putting the bags together. we were not able to take pictures of dropping off the bags due to school rules)
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