Our tradition is to provide the makings of a Christmas dinner as well as carefully selected gifts for our Secret Santa family. Nick told us that we absolutely needed to buy the boys clothes. And they couldn’t be just any clothes. They had to be “cool.” While having the right look might seem trivial to many adults, when you are an adolescent, it means the world. Nick was determined to give Chad and Derek clothes that would stop the taunting and make them feel good about themselves. Whether he realized it or not, Nick wanted to give them self-esteem, a chance to fit in.
As we searched and searched for just the right outfits for both boys, I thought about their mother. Having once been a single mom, I could imagine what she’d had to sacrifice to provide for her family. I remembered how, during my single-parenting days, every bit of “extra” went to my children’s needs. It had probably been a long time since she had done anything nice for herself. As the kids continued scouring the boys’ clothing department, I took a quick detour to the bath aisle. I selected a luxurious basket filled to the brim with bubble bath, soaps, lotions, and all kinds of take-me-away things that any mom could appreciate. As I searched the store for other gifts that would lift her spirits, I felt my own lift. I looked at clothes, makeup, jewelry, and cologne before selecting a book of uplifting stories for mothers and a box of truffles. I was delighted and couldn’t wait to show my family what I had bought.
Returning to my children, I found that they had finally settled on several articles of clothing that my son thought were suitably “in.” Judging the boys’ sizes was difficult, but we did our best. Nick suddenly remembered that they wore old coats, and no gloves or hats, to school. With the snow and biting cold of Utah winters, good gloves are a must. We chose the thickest, warmest, coolest gloves in the store, and I didn’t even look at the price tag! We were all grinning from the sheer joy of giving.
We added a good family video and two great books to our cart. Then we put the Christmas dinner together: a fat turkey, all the trimmings, dessert, fresh fruit, and candy for the boys. We couldn’t wait to deliver our packages! We imagined the looks of surprise and happiness on Derek and Chad’s faces when they opened their presents. I secretly hoped their mother had as much fun opening her gifts as I had shopping for them.
Our cart overflowing, we headed for the checkout line. At the start of our shopping spree, I’d been worried about spending too much; now I felt a mixture of peace and elation. I knew my husband would agree that, as blessed as we were, we ought to share those blessings with others. As we stood in line, I again thought about money, but this time my thoughts turned to the Williams family. It occurred to me that money would be a much-appreciated gift. Maybe there was something they really needed that we hadn’t thought of. A rack of gift certificates stood next to the checkout counter. I carefully looked at the amounts and said a quick prayer for guidance. I reached for the $50 gift card, but instead picked up the $100 card. It just felt right, so I laid it on top of my purchases and made a quick call to double-check with my husband. He assured me that I should go ahead.
I laughed when Nicholas caught sight of the gift card and wheeled around in shock. “Is that for them?” I nodded, and he threw his arms around me and thanked me as if the gift certificate had been for him.
That night we wrapped the presents and delivered the huge box to the Williams family’s doorstep. Nick rang the bell, and we all ran giggling down the street. The joyous feeling stayed with us long into the night and it returned the day that school resumed. Nick ran all the way home to tell me Derek and Chad wore their new clothes to school. They fit, and boy, did they look cool!
Know what else was cool? Our whole family agreed that being Secret Santa was the best present any of us received that Christmas. And I got to see a side of my son that made me weep with pride and love. Don’t let anyone tell you there are no “teen angels”; I know better. I live with one; his name is Nicholas.
