The year I turned thirteen was—like it is for most early teenagers—a time full of realizations. I already knew Christmas was more than Santa Claus, gifts, and sugar cookies, but I still felt the excitement of the moment and the hope of getting that perfect present. Deep down, I sensed childhood and all its magic was starting to fade.

That year, the gift I wanted wasn’t a Barbie doll or a board game. Nope—this time, I wanted a white rabbit fur coat. All the popular girls had one, and I was convinced it might help me earn a few “cool points.”

The Coat That Wasn’t Quite It

I made extra sure my mom knew exactly what I wanted. So when Christmas morning came, I felt pretty confident I’d see that dreamy coat under the tree.

Well… I did see a fur coat.
But it was not the coat.

Instead, it was an ugly fake-fur coat—mid-thigh length, huge collar, and a dirty beige–off-white mix of colors. I tried to hide my disappointment as Mom snapped my picture, clearly proud she had gotten me what she thought I wanted.

I knew I couldn’t wear that coat, but I also didn’t want to hurt her feelings. Later that day, through tears, I admitted how much I hated it. I caught a quick flash of disappointment in her eyes, but she gently promised we’d return it and find the right one. And we did—on an after-Christmas clearance rack! That definitely softened the blow for both of us.

What Really Matters

Of course, Christmas isn’t about presents or excess.
It’s a time to show love, gratitude, and appreciation—for our families and for the blessings God has given us.

It feels wonderful to give a gift someone truly loves…
but it’s the love behind the giving that matters most.

A Mother’s Love

It’s often said there’s no love like a mother’s love. My mom would have—and still would—do anything to make me happy. She’s now in the early stages of dementia, and we spend a lot of time reminiscing, helping her hold onto her amazing life as a mother, wife, daughter, friend, and fierce supporter of the people she loves.

This Christmas, what means the most to me is taking time to reflect on all I have to be thankful for:

  • The love of family and friends
  • The ability to still spend time together
  • The thoughtfulness behind every gift of the heart

I want to laugh, share memories, and hold my loved ones a little closer. I want to celebrate the good and the hard we’ve walked through together. It’s about cheering each other on through every step of life’s journey.

If Mom gave me an ugly coat today, I’d wear it proudly—cherishing it as a reminder of a mother’s love. That’s something I will never forget.

Thanks, Mom.