My Cousin and I at Christmas time. When I think about Christmas when I was younger there are many things that come to my mind - midnight mass, date nut rock cookies, family gatherings, the hallway being wrapped and presents. Yes, every year my Dad would wrap the hallway with wrapping paper from the floor to the ceiling so that children could not get up and peek in the middle of the night. This tradition has actually carried over as David and I have done this several years now. Me in front of our Christmas tree. My parents "spoiled" us when we were younger. I didn't understand that times were tough and they worked hard to provide a wonderful Christmas every year. It is only as an adult that I understand how difficult this was and truly appreciate how much they sacrificed for us. One gift that really stands out in my mind when I was a kid was the year my grandfather sent me a Teddy Ruxpin. Do you remember him? He was an animatronic bear that would read stories from cassette tapes that were inserted into his back. This is what my Teddy Ruxpin looked liked. I was so mesmerized by my talking bear. I loved listening to him tell stories and sometimes I would just stare and watch his mouth and eyes as they moved. I had no idea I was getting him for Christmas and it was such a happy surprise. Unfortunately, I have no idea what became of my Teddy. Hopefully he was passed along to someone else who was able to enjoy him. Do you have a favorite gift memory when you were younger? If you have been in the stores lately it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas! I am so excited about celebrating Christmas, with my family and friends, and making new friends along the way. Gifts are important, "God so loved the world that He gave ..." of Himself on Christmas, and there is much joy and blessing in giving and receiving. But I do understand that the Holiday season is about much more than a gift. I do love to see the kids' faces light up though. I am excited to take the kids to the Walmart Holiday Toyland event next Saturday, November 8th. During the event, we will get to test out the hottest holiday toys, find out more about the free Walmart Layaway program, and take photos with our favorite toys. I am really interested to see what the new toys are and interact with them and the kids. We just might be picking up something for our Operation Christmas Child boxes at the event. You can share your photos using #chosenbykids. Go here to see the list of participating stores and event dates. I hope to see you there! Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as part of the Walmart Holiday Toyland campaign through Sverve. All opinions expressed are my own.
