Ever Wonder?
If anyone ever wonders how the older ones on Stauffer Avenue get ready for Christmas . . . I will let the cat out of the bag. More to the point, how the ole cowboy on Stauffer Avenue gets ready for Christmas. Many moons ago, we realized that there was nothing that we could buy for family that would hit the mark, or what family wanted or needed we couldn’t afford. Dennis happened upon the idea of giving $2.00 bills to each family member.
Not a single Christmas goes by that Dennis does not relay the story of Carrie’s reaction the first Christmas we did this. There had been a Christmas party planned at her church, and somehow she would have to find something in the closet to wear to the party. Not much came forward out of the closet and less in spendable resources. Along came Dennis’ $2.00 bill gift and she called Dennis with thanks, I think with tears, that she could now go out and purchase a new dress that would be appropriate. If memory serves me, that little black dress was in her closet for may events to come. Since that time the families have grown. Dennis still continues his tradition.
This is such a part of his Christmas “good feelings.” With seven children, 10 grandchildren and six greatgrands, the savings towards Christmas on our part starts early in the year. Once a year, we call ahead to the bank for them to order the $2.00 bills for us. Not many banks mess with having them on hand. It takes just about $1,000 for
Dennis to play Santa Clause – and who has more fun? This year he took it upon himself to use some of my crafting papers to make the envelopes for the stashes. He did a great job of making it special. While I was working on granddaughter Cheyenne’s t-shirt quilt, Dennis set up shop to do his elfing. I so enjoyed watching him being so diligent with the counting.
Monday of this week, grandson Ryan and his daughter Addison, stopped in after Addison was out of school for the day with a big “Thank you.” Yesterday, son-in-law Tom was out for a walk and noticed Dennis in his rocking chair in the garage porch. Tom wanted Dennis to know he and Denise were very appreciative of the Christmas gift. As late as today, we received a thank you from one of the granddaughters in an email to send out a thanks and allowing us to know that her son, three year Oliver, put his bills in his Mickey Mouse bank that we had given him when he all but O.D. on Mickey Mouse cartoons.
There may be a few more that get added to the families over time, but I know Dennis will just get on the horn to the bank and put his order in. Being able to do something for everyone is all the Christmas gift that is needed by us.