Christmas Spirit

Last year, Matt's school strongly prompted the idea of walking to school as an activity to help both the health of the world and all of the walkers' personal health. Matt was determined that he would walk to school also. The problem is that Matt does not attend his neighbor school - i.e., the school within walking distance. His school is a ten minute drive from our home. It would take us a good hour walking at Matt's pace.

So I came up with a compromise. We now park a few blocks from school and walk from that point - everyday - rain or shine. Usually this first person that Matt greets every school day is Mr. Doug, the crossing guard. We exchange morning pleasantries and continue on to school.

I purchased gifts for Matt's teachers, aides, and therapists. The Wednesday of the last week before Winter break, I carried the bag of gifts to the car. Matt was curious as to what I was carrying in the bag. I told Matt about the gifts we were giving to everyone at school who helps him. He happily told the aide at school that the gifts were for her and went to his desk to start his day.

The next day as I park the car, Matt looked out the window and exclaims, "Mr. Doug!" I agreed that I could see Mr. Doug. Matt said, "No! Where Mr. Doug gift?" Right. Mr. Doug is someone who helps Matt at school. Quickly thinking, I told Matt that I forgot it at the house, but we would bring it to Mr. Doug tomorrow. Matt hopped out of the car and yelled to Mr. Doug that I forgot his gift but we would bring it tomorrow.

That night, I packaged up a gift for Mr. Doug. Matt grabbed the package and leaped from the car the moment I parked. "Mr. Doug," he screamed, waving the package aloft. "Your gift." Mr. Doug told Matt how grateful he was for his gift and thanked him each time Matt repeats "Your gift" as we cross the street together.

Matt beamed up at me as we continued our walk to school. "Mr. Doug happy." I agreed that Mr. Doug was happy. "Matt gift Mr. Doug happy." I agree that his gift made Mr. Doug happy. Matt ponders this thought for a moment. "Bennett need gift. Gabby need gift. Vanessa need gift." (his aides from last year)

I give him a big hug. I ask him if he wants to make everyone happy. "Yep. Need Matt gift."

This year I was able to watch as Matt discovered the pleasure of giving someone a gift. While he still eagerly awaits his gifts from Santa (and the rest of us), he also understands the joy the giver receives when giving someone a gift.