Saturday, December 1, 2012

'Tis the Season

Once again it is December at the Cottage.  It is always a bright and cheery month as we travel across the globe and enjoy celebrations around the world with the children.  One of the highlights of the season is Cottage's tradition of sponsoring children through the Marlborough Giving Program. 

This year the United Way organized the drive, but the results were the same.  We sponsored 12 children from baby to teenager.  There were 62 gifts purchased - lots of toys, clothing, gift cards even a bike and a remote control car.  The children's requests are always posted on "ornaments" on our tree in the foyer.  When people visit they always think we are rushing the season when the tree goes up the second week in November.  However, if you are from the Cottage, you know what it is all about and are anxiously awaiting the trees arrival.  I watched and listened as many parents stopped with their children and discussed why they were buying for another child and chose the gift to buy together.  Then the gifts start arriving from one or two to a huge pile for Santa's bag.  My daughter and I took my grandchildren to purchase for the two children they had chosen.  They were very cute as they would try to focus on the gifts they were looking for, but would still see things they wanted.  They would remind each other, "We are not shopping for us today.  We are helping some other child."  How much do they understand at 3 and 5?  That is hard to say.  However, it is a very nice tradition to be part of.  Now the presents have been picked up and Holiday Giving 2012 is over.  The parents and children are checking the thank you "ornaments" that are now displayed on the tree as they come and go from the center.  We all wish we could be there on Christmas morn to see the sparkle in the children’s eyes when their Santa wishes are granted.