The last few weeks have been hard, with inflation wearing us down and the cold weather starting to get to us. So I wasn’t surprised when my mother called and told me that, due to all the troubles in the world, Christmas was going to be pretty lean this year and that she might not be able to send me as much as she usually does. Being the optimist that I am, I said, “Don’t worry, Mom, it’ll be alright. It’s times like this that we all have to cut back.”
I’ll admit it bothered me a great deal for a couple of days. I mean, come on—this was my own mother. I come from a large family, and we’ve been through some tough times in the past, but she always made sure there was enough to go around. She should realize how much I depended on the full amount. Times are tough for everybody, and if you can’t rely on your mother, there has got to be something really wrong.
I felt a little guilty on Christmas morning when I grabbed the envelope lying under the tree. It had always been there in the past. I should just be happy with what I get. But I still couldn’t believe that my mom would have to cut back this year. I was so bothered that I didn’t sit down. I fumbled with the envelope, still not believing she would let me down. No matter how bad things got, there was no way she would not send the full amount— not if she knew how much it meant to me.
I opened the card, which she had made herself, I guessed, to save a few pennies. Were things really as bad as she said? When I saw the amount, I smiled. I knew she wouldn’t let me down. I knew she would send me the full amount. She always does.
Written across the bottom of the card, she wrote: “ALL my love, Mom.”—Bryan Hellmer, Center Moriches
Christmas and Hanukkah are upon us,
Celebrating the Virgin Birth and the Undimming Light.
Again, we practice the old traditions
During a season of much delight.
Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah,
It’s time to honor traditions most dear.
The JOY of the holiday season
Is what we must embrace each year.
Menorahs will be shining in our windows,
Twinkling trees will grace our living rooms.
Our tables will show their bounty—
JOY in every heart looms.
Despite the world’s upheaval,
We will celebrate as we do each year,
Paying no heed to distractions—
This is the time of “good cheer.”
Remember the holiday excitement
When you were a little kid,
Hoping Mom and Dad wouldn’t know
You’d peeked at the presents they hid.
Santa is still bringing presents,
Dreidels are still going to spin.
The JOY of the holiday season
Still shows the wonderful world we’re in.
Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah.—Mary E. Hellmer, Moriches