Neighbor Tradition

When I was little my mother would bake ALL week. She would make bread and candies, and cookies galore!! We loved it but I really never thought of those that she was baking for. I now know that she baked her heart into those goody plates! I remember going to homes and singing a carol and wishing them a Merry Christmas. The smiles are still VERY vivid in my mind.

 The one I truly remember is the year that my dad and I went to deliver one last plate. I had never been to this house or even knew who we were going to see. I remember being very timid while the elderly gentleman welcomed us in. I still remember the house looked as if no one lived there. No pictures, no tree, no trinkets. I remember with tears in my eyes that we sat and visited that man for almost two hours!! As we walked home I asked why we had gone to seen that man and my father explained that this gentleman had no family to be with this Christmas and we needed to share our family time with him. My heart is still full as I remember a letter my dad had shared with me later that year. It was from the gentleman's son stating that he was so grateful for us. See his father had come to that home that year to say goodbye. His son had tried to get him to come to their home for the season but the father had refused and the son was worried. Our simple visit brought the joy of the season back to that gentleman and he soon visited his son and his family. The elderly gentleman passed away one evening short after seeing his family. That is when I learned the meaning of charity.

I now carry that tradition on with my children. We give neighbor plate and Christmas plates, and my favorite Candy Cane bread:) This website has a few of the idea's I love using. Well may your heart be full this giving season.

http://preparednotscared.blogspot.com/search/label/Christmas%20Ideas