Message in a Bottle

As Christmas Day draws to a sleepy close, I thought I’d share
something I did for my kids today.  Since I’m a writer, I decided to
give them each a gift of words that describe something I admire about
each one.  I rolled up each sheet of sentiments (four in all), rubber-
banded it tight, and popped it in a travel-size lotion bottle.  The top of
each paper read:  “Message in a Bottle.”

I asked them to save the bottles for the very last gift, because I didn’t
want them mixed up in the materialistic fray of boxes and bags.

A funny interlude — our oldest girl thought the paper said “Massage in
a Bottle” and was prepared to be really jazzed about that until I re-
directed her.

My only regret about this gift was that when they each said thank you,
I said “You’re welcome,” instead of “No, thank YOU” (for being you). 
But then again you can only push this feeling kind of stuff so far with
young people.

I hope your Christmas included some celebration of the wonder of
each other, above and beyond the gifts you give and receive.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Mama J (Diane Fromme) is a writer, parent, and stepparent located in
Northern Colorado.  For more information on her stepparenting book,
go to www.dianefromme.com.

Tags: Christmas, Communication, gifts, holidays