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.