Christmas decorations abound throughout the mall this time of year. (They abounded just after the Independence Day decorations came down I think.)
Christmas joy is pushing its way through the crust of Ebenezer's spirit and even the Grinch's heart is swelling at least two times. Patrons of area businesses are doing their best to maintain their composure while unselfishly allowing others to get the last iPad on the shelf. Smiles abound on the faces of the children as they politely tell their parents to save their money and not buy that expensive toy this year.
At one end of the mall the real live Santa Claus takes time from his busy schedule and sits on his throne patiently waiting for the next cherub to find a spot on his knee and tell wonderful St. Nick what the elves should be preparing this year. The twinkle in the jolly man's eye lets us all know that he can already taste the milk and cookies.
This is the year that Santa is sure he will not be bitten by a dog, nor have his dry-clean only outfit soiled by a child in a dirty diaper, while pictures are taken to record this momentous event. He also knows that all of the children who are fighting that winter cold are sitting at home waiting until they are no longer contagious before they walk through the mall touching everything they want and snuggling up with the great bearded one. He wishes them all a speedy recovery.
At the other end of the mall, however, is where the true spirit of Christmas abounds. There you will find a tree that has no presents under it. A tree that is adorned with sadness for many, but a tree that is decorated with the pictures of those that gave the greatest gift of all - the gift of life through organ donation.
Take a moment and bring your children to see this tree. Please don't look on this tree with sadness. Instead look on it as a tree that, due to the unselfish nature of the individuals pictured upon it, has brought great joy to many other families across the country. Right now there is a family celebrating another Christmas with their wife, husband, mother, father, son or daughter thanks to the generosity of these donors and their families.
While the families of these donors would love to be spending the holidays with their own loved ones, it may offer some comfort to know that many others will be having their most wonderful Christmas ever.
I know it does for me.
Merry Christmas.
