The Revd Writes…
“Sometimes I feel lost,” said the boy. “Me too,” said the mole. “But we love you, and love brings you home. I think everyone is just trying to get home,” said the mole.
I’m grateful to a friend who bought me a copy of ‘The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse’ by Charlie Mackesy last year. A simple book, beautifully illustrated with words of wisdom that reach out and speak to all ages. I’m pleased to see that it is predicted to be a top seller for this Christmas. It comes recommended by yours truly. I wonder how many children will be waking up on Christmas morning and be thrilled to bits to know that they are now the proud owner of a Jiggly Pets Noodle Pink Pup? The said Pup is predicted to be this year’s top toy. It walks, barks, and wags its tail whilst playing a tune, which at £12 will be music to every parent’s ears. Last year’s top toy, Barbie Day to Night Dreamhouse weighed in at nearly £200 eclipsing this year’s supermarket hopeful, Hot Wheels Garage Exclusive – includes twenty cars – at £124.99
Every parent wants their child to have the best possible Christmas. Many will have poured hours into overtime at work to help try and balance the books so that they are able to make this Christmas extra special. The cost of giving can be a high price to pay though many will agree it is all worth it to bring a smile to a much-loved child’s face. Yet Christmas toys come with a little caveat. My father once bought me a Hornby train set. He was extremely excited about it and couldn’t wait to get it all set up. To be honest, I wasn’t that bothered. I much preferred the matchbox cars, which delighted me all the way through my childhood. It just goes to show that children have the right to choose, and it might just be that the most expensive gift this year doesn’t quite make it to the top of the list when it comes to personal preference in your household. Take comfort in the knowledge that a child’s right to choose is a key step on the way to developing confidence and independence. There’s always next year for you to get it right!
The exorbitant cost of children’s toys contrasts with the simpler things that make for a special Christmas. As Mole says, “love brings you home.” A young couple with not very much to their name, manage to create a safe warm place for their newborn baby. This is the start and the heart of the Christmas story. Creating a loving home which invites friends and family to come together brings cheer to the soul. A simple gift given with love is priceless and one to be treasured. Opportunities to share with others this festive season are to be made the most of – love in a home cannot be measured by any retail price index. And for that, we must all be grateful.
Happy Christmas.
God Bless
Mark