the gift that keeps on giving. a wish from don mark to you

“Clark, it’s the gift that keeps on giving the whole year!”  I wonder how many millions of times that phrase has been used since Cousin Eddie uttered those words in Christmas Vacation? Cousin Eddie’s inappropriate comment and lousy timing are now legendary. The 1989 movie, Christmas Vacation, is now part of the Christmas celebration of millions of people. So, you might say that Cousin Eddie’s comment is indeed a gift that keeps on giving.

Christmas is truly all about Eddie’s statement. I am presently sitting in my writing chair in my living room. As I gaze across my living room into the dining room, proof of that proclamation is everywhere. There is a beautiful white ceramic nativity set on the buffet. Gail’s grandmother, “Grammy,” made it for us many years ago. Grammy was a wonderful person, full of wit and drive. She loved the baby represented in this nativity and passed her faith to her daughter and grandchildren. Her gift keeps on giving.

I love poinsettias. There is a large bluish-colored one on the dining table and another    off-white and purple one on the cocktail table. Originally from southern Mexico, the Christmas flowers adorn my home every year. Love for this bushy plant was passed to me by my mother. She loved this flower, and my father bought her a colossal specimen every year. It’s been part of my Christmas for as far back as I can remember. Dad handed down the knowledge of how to treat your wife. Mom bequeathed my love of flowers and how to make a house a home. Their gifts keep on giving.

There are six stuffed Snoopys on the floor leaning on one another, reminding me of the many Christmas family visits to New York City. Macy’s themed Christmas each year with a keepsake stuffed animal, and on two different years, it was Snoopy, my favorite dog. We purchased one for each of my daughters.

Growing up, my family visited Indianapolis to see the lighting of the Christmas tree on the circle. It seemed magical to me. We sipped hot chocolate from the street vendors and shopped in Blocks and Ayres for holiday treasures. Snoopy reminds me that Clark was correct when he stated that the best Christmases are enjoyed with the “warm embrace of kith and kin.” Even a stuffed animal can keep on giving.

Sitting atop my piano is a collection of Snow Village houses that look like the Main Street of an idyllic Dickens village. Dozens of these ceramic creations dot my home during the holiday season. This tradition started when I was a kid when my father and I built a toy train set and slot car track surrounded by a village. I spent hours on the floor in wonder. I created “Hamiltown,” a small city that took up a third of our family room for many years as an adult. It seems like too much work these days, but the tradition continues in smaller numbers around the house.

Traditions are gifts that keep on giving, and they are valuable to all of us. The word is Latin in origin, where it meant “hand over,” “deliver up,” “surrender,” or “handed down.” For something to become a tradition, it must first be significant enough in someone’s life that they want to pass along the blessing to others, particularly one’s children. A tradition-filled life is rich and full of meaning. Of course, there are unhealthy traditions, but let’s concentrate on the ones we cherish this season.

There is also a Bible on the end table next to me, and I regularly immerse myself in its blessings. This, too, is a practice handed down from my parents and grandparents, and each year it points my family to Christmas, which is The gift that keeps on giving.

From its inception, the gift of God has been given for over 2,000 years. The miracle and message are as enriching and relevant today as they were when the angels proclaimed it from the heavens and the shepherds visited the newborn in a manger. God with us means God loves us. And if God loves us, we can love ourselves and others. The acts associated with loving one another become the myriads of customs that define our lives.

I hope you enjoy the gifts passed along to you and celebrate new and old rituals with your family and friends. They are the gifts that keep on giving. Merry Christmas!

May God richly bless your Christmas celebration.

Live Inspired!

Don Mark

P.S.  I have great news! 

The DonMarkHamilton.com online store is now up and running. You can now purchase various “Live Inspired!” items, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, and glasses. More products are forthcoming, and these inspiring items make great gifts.  Please check out the store.  To visit the store, go to my website, www.donmarkhamilton.com, and click on “Shop” along the top banner of the home page.

 10% of the proceeds of all items purchased on DonMarkHamilton.com will be donated to www.gailsgirls.org. This ministry empowers female leaders living in south Asia to transform villages and communities through vocational development and church planting.

When you purchase from DonMarkHamilton.com, you change lives and live an inspired life!  Thank you!