A very special day

This Christmas day landed on a Sunday, the Lord's day. It has been 11 years since Christmas day occured on a Sunday. So I woke up at 9:00 am, went to church for an hour, just to see what it was like to attend church on Christmas day. Not too many people turned up and one of the elders resigned, oh well some Christmas day that was for the church.

But anyway, back to the subject at hand. I woke up and checked my mobile phone. Sure enough there were some text messages doing the rounds wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. I didn't send out a mass text just yet, because I needed to rush to church. After that, I got home and prepared for Christmas lunch. Then I found some time to send out the obligatory Merry Christmas via text message. I got a few replies, one of them from a girl who I will call "Maimai" (names altered to protect the innocent!). She was one of the few who texted Merry Christmas before I woke up. In her 14 year old reply, she inquired what Santa brought me for Christmas. I replied that Santa gave me nothing but the very best in health and happiness. Which was perfectly fine by me as I do not yearn for material things on the Lord's birthday.

So that was that. Around 30 mins later as I was busy preparing for Christmas lunch, my brother walks in and tells me that "Shazza" was at the door wanting to see me. I ran to greet her at the door. Sure enough there were the two sisters, Shazza and Maimai, standing expectantly at the door. They walked from their house, around 5 minutes walking distance. I was especially startled to see them. Maimai said she felt sorry that I received nothing from Santa and gave me a tiny gift, neatly wrapped in paper and ribbon.

I was instantly touched and humbled by their gesture. It made me realise how lucky I am to have them in my life, and I hope that they will continue to be a part of my life for many years to come. Just as important, their gesture towards me captured the spirit of Christmas, to give and share to friends and loved ones. I invited them in, but unfortunately they couldn't stay very long as they had their party to attend at their place. In return, I gave them a box of Macadamia nuts for the girls to share.

The rest of the day passed with good cheer and Christmas spirit. Friends, family and others came together to eat, drink, talk and share gifts around. In all, this was a very special day, especially to receive a gesture from two young kids whom I will cherish for the rest of my life. May God bless them always.