Christmas time was closing in on me and it had been a hard year. I was just newly separated and trying to support my three boys on a minimal income. Not to mention my ex was not paying child support, in fact he had completely disappeared. Christmas was just three weeks away. The panic I felt was so different from the years of joy that Christmas had always brought me. I knew that I would not be able to provide a Christmas for my kids. I was barely able to put food on the table and a roof over our head. The agony and despair was tearing me up inside. I began having trouble breathing, not sleeping and would cry myself to sleep at night. The stress was almost too much to bear.
I was working at a bank and had made a few close friends. They were very sympathetic, uplifting and encouraging, always willing to listen and lend their support, which I must admit helped me make it through the days as Christmas drew near. The bank employees passed around the annual Christmas donation envelope which would provide a Christmas for needy families, I took out a $5.00 bill and folded it so that no one could see the small amount of money that I was donating. I felt embarrassed at such a measly amount, but thought that there must be families going through worse situations than I was facing, families without a home, a warm place to sleep and food on the table. I quickly shoved the only amount I was able to give into the crisp white envelope and passed it to the person next to me.
Two days left, and still no way to get even a Christmas tree. I spent that long agonizing night awake trying to come up with some ideas to bring Christmas to my young innocent, trusting and excited children. What can I do to give my kids a Christmas? I awoke early and put on a cheery face for my kids. The dreaded day, Christmas Eve, I have never experienced a more miserable day in my life. The kid’s excitement was making it hard to fight back my tears. They thought that Santa would surprise them with a tree and the presents this year. I didn't even know what to tell them. How do you tell your sweet, naïve children that there would be no Christmas this year!
In the evening as I was preparing Macaroni & Cheese, which thank goodness the kids loved and thought was a very special Christmas Eve dinner, the doorbell rang. I opened the door and to my utter shock, there stood the entire bank staff, singing Christmas carols. Every single member of the staff was carrying armfuls of brightly wrapped presents with shiny silver, red and gold bows along with bags full of food, while the men unloaded a Christmas tree. The women hugged and comforted me as I began to sob uncontrollably. The kids were squealing with excitement and said, “What’s wrong mommy? We told you that this was going to be the best Christmas ever"! The presents were flowing out from under the tree and seemed as if they were multiplying every time I looked over. They were spilling out from under the tree and into the entry way. The kids were running around the presents, trying to shake them to see if they could figure out what was inside. I looked over to see my youngest son being tossed in the air, blonde hair flying, cheeks flushed and giggling as he was caught and hugged. I had been chosen as the needy family this year. My “family" at the bank had made sure that my kids and I would have a wonderful Christmas. As I stood at the bottom of the stairs, looking over the picture in front of me, my only thought was, this is the true meaning of Christmas. These wonderful people have given much more than material gifts, they have brought the gift of hope, faith and love to a hopeless and desperate mother.
» left by Avis Ward(11,248) Avis Ward (1 year 350 days ago.)
Yes Lisa, your "bank family" demonstrated the true meaning of Christmas and life. We are here for each other, to be selfless and not selfish. I'm happy you shared this story. Your giving out of your personal need made it a Christmas Miracle for your family. Have a Merry Christmas with your children! Respond to this comment
» left by Lisa Petrarca(298) Lisa Petrarca (1 year 350 days ago.)
Thank you, Avis. It was many years ago and as I wrote this story my eyes began to fill with tears as if it had just happened yesterday. The giving of others can touch someones life forever. I now try to volunteer my time and give back to people less fortunate, for I have walked in their shoes. I appreciate your comments and wish you a very, Merry Christmas! Respond to this comment
» left by Judi Lake(1,866) Judi Lake (1 year 349 days ago.)
Lisa, what a testimony of true humanity and the Spirit of Love! As a parent, I can understand your sorrow for your children; it is always about them and I can only imagine how you functioned. Thank you for sharing your heart; what a wonderful Christmas gift for all of us -- Merry Christmas and God bless you, Lisa! Respond to this comment
» left by Lisa Petrarca(298) Lisa Petrarca (1 year 349 days ago.)
This was the best Christmas I have ever had and looking back over the years and all the gifts that I've received and the "must have" items, I can honestly say that not one of the material gifts stand out in my mind. The gift of love and compassion from others is something that I will remember for as long as I live. During Christmas time I hope my story will encourage others to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate, it is a gift that lasts a life time. Thank you so very much for your comments Judy, Merry Christmas! Respond to this comment
» left by Dianne Lehmann(5,738) Dianne Lehmann (1 year 349 days ago.)
This is truly beautiful. How fortunate you were to have such compassionate and thoughtful friends. Thank you for sharing this wonderful memory. Respond to this comment
» left by Lisa Petrarca(298) Lisa Petrarca (1 year 349 days ago.)
Yes, I think so too! They were a definite blessing during my most difficult time. I appreciate your comment and I am glad you enjoyed it, have a wonderful and joyous Christmas! Respond to this comment
As I read your story tears welled up in my eyes a couple of different times. My disease, multiple sclerosis, can make the biggest man a babbling idiot! I find myself welling up many times when I watch the news on TV. I find stories like yours uplifting and inspirational to me! You sure had good friends at your bank! Thanks for your story!
I think the fact that you had tears is a testament of your heart, kindness and caring soul. You are experiencing a very difficult road and can obviously relate to the struggles and trials of others. I can't tell you how much your comment meant to me. Have a wonderful Christmas! My prayers are with you! Respond to this comment
» left by robert melaccio sr (1 year 349 days ago.)
An excellent message for many who understand your families trial and yes even for those who never will and are fortunate they may never have to. perhaps there but for the grace of God go I just might wake them up? Thank God for those who do care, have compassion and understand and demonstrate who they really are in their act of love. They are the true spirit of Christmas. Thank God you gave your witness! Lets hope and pray things get better for you and yours. I know those who responded will keep you in their prayers because they are a few of the very best of the best who write on this web site. God bless RTM Respond to this comment
» left by Lisa Petrarca(298) Lisa Petrarca (1 year 349 days ago.)
Thank you Robert! My sincere hope is that it will definitely show others how a simple act can change the life of one person at a time. Even though it has been many years, we still struggle and as this Christmas nears, my constant memory of that day makes me realize how much God watches over us and just requires our trust and faith in him. Have a very Merry Christmas. Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (1 year 349 days ago.)
Lis, WOW!!!! I have heard this story from you many times but as I read this today it felt like this was the first time I heard it. My eyes teared up many times. You have been an inspiration and a TRUE friend. Your spirit is so strong with hope that it touches all of us that are fortunate to know you. Thanks for writing this because now people that do not know you personaly can be touched by you. Hugs, Maria Respond to this comment
» left by Lisa Petrarca(298) Lisa Petrarca (1 year 349 days ago.)
Thanks Maria! You're making me cry, stop it! Thanks for always listening to my stories and letting me try to be your mom. You're friendship over the MANY years has meant so much to me. Thanks for being such a wonderful and giving person. I love you, see you Sunday! Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa Ortiz(11,094) Teresa Ortiz (1 year 349 days ago.)
Thank you for sharing this story, as a child I was in your children's shoes, I'm sure my mom felt the same way you did. She had three children to raise without their dad being much help. I remember the excitement of Christmas trees showing up on Christmas eve. Your kids will cherish those days and the older they get, the more they will realize that even though dad may have forgotten, God who sees everything did not and He sent people your way to show love. It is a clear reminder that people will fail us at times, but God never will! Again, thanks for sharing. My tears come with joy for your family and the many who will be encouraged by this story! May you continue to see God's hand on your life more and more! Merry Christmas. Teresa Respond to this comment
» left by Lisa Petrarca(298) Lisa Petrarca (1 year 349 days ago.)
I have come to realize that it is so true! God is always present in our lives even when we feel like he has forgotten us he chooses his timing to shine his grace and love on our life. Sometimes it is not the way that we were expecting, but the way that he knew would be best for us. I feel so blessed to have had this experience and felt the change it made on my heart as well as my compassion for others. I appreciate your comment and inspiration, Teresa! Respond to this comment
» left by Marlene from Oceanside (1 year 349 days ago.)
Wow, Lisa!
Our friendship goes way back and I have seen a lot....but I never knew about this!! Thanks for making me cry! What a wonderful, uplifting story you have shared. You're a great Mom to those boys and your bank friends are amazing. God has truely blessed you. Have a great Christmas this year and congratulations on this story. Love ya, Mar Respond to this comment
I think that was during the time that we kind of lost touch and for a long time I was really embarrassed that I was in that bad of a situation. It wasn't until I got older and realized what a blessing it really was that I started to share the story with people. I'm glad you liked it! Love ya! Respond to this comment
What is interesting is how essential and primary these experiences are to our growth. For without them, we would not grow in compassion, understanding, patience, an increase in selflessness. For it is here, in these experiences, where we grow, where our true purpose for being shows.
I have lost everything, paying people I've owed in furniture. I've come close to living on the street several times. I've contracted cancer without insurance. Looking at death unless I came up with $8000. Only to be saved by a major miracle. I have been so depressed so many times that I planned again and again and again to take my life. I have subjected myself to growth opportunities, or gotten outside of my comfort zone to do so, only to find great strength and power coming from pushing into the darkness to reveal the light. The light is there for all of us, always. We must merely build our trust and faith in it and continue to walk toward it as you have done. God bless and God's work be in you. Continue to tell your stories to inspire, guide and direct. You are loved. As we all are. Respond to this comment
» left by Lisa Petrarca(298) Lisa Petrarca (1 year 348 days ago.)
You are so right Jeff! Thank you for sharing your pain and life struggles. I was moved to tears while reading all that you have had to endure...yet you have still found a way to encourage and inspire through your perserverance, faith and trust in God. The difficult times in our lives are there for changing, shaping and molding us into people who will not judge others but embrace them wherever they are at in their lives. Please continue to push forward for you have a definite purpose and gift to offer others. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your comment! Take care and Merry Christmas. Respond to this comment
» left by Stacy from Glendora, CA (1 year 348 days ago.)
Lis,
Yes, my sister, I remember that year well. I remember you calling to tell me about it, all the while crying tears of joy and thankfulness. I'm so glad this story was published, and may it be an inspiration to the more fortunate individuals that they have the desire to lessen the burdens of those going without. Your co-workers and friends at the bank made a great choice that year because during one of your darkest moments they let you know how much you are truly loved. Your writing talent continues to amaze me!
I love you,
Stacy Respond to this comment
» left by Lisa Petrarca(298) Lisa Petrarca (1 year 348 days ago.)
Thanks Stace for always being there with love, guidance, encouragement and support. You are the rock in our family, always there for any of us who need help...strong, steady, dependable and unselfish. Your caring and loving heart is your gift to us all!! I love you! Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (1 year 348 days ago.)
What a beautiful and heartwarming story. It brought tears to my eyes. Respond to this comment
» left by Lisa Petrarca(298) Lisa Petrarca (1 year 346 days ago.)
Thank you! I hope that by sharing my story others will step out of their comfort zone and make a difference in someone's life. MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Respond to this comment
» left by Lisa Petrarca(298) Lisa Petrarca (1 year 346 days ago.)
I too feel so fortunate to have been blessed by the kindness of others. Over the years I have come to realize that each one of us have it within our power to make a difference in this world....one person at a time. Thank you so very much for your comment and I wish you the BEST Christmas ever! Respond to this comment
» left by Carrie from Lehi, UT (1 year 348 days ago.)
My Sweet Daughter: What a beautiful, but heart-wrenching experience. I only wonder how I did not know that you were in such need until years later? While we didn't have much, I never would have allowed you or my grandsons to go without Christmas. Had I known, I would have done all that I could to provide "Santa's" Christmas for you. In retrospect, by doing so, I would have prevented you from experiencing one of the most treasured memories of your life. As you know, it is through our trials that we grow; and as we share what we have learned, we have the ability to touch the lives and hearts of others (as evidenced by the readers comments). Lisi, you are not only the very best birthday present I have received, but a blessing to the world. Happy Birthday my angel girl! Love---always and forever, Mommy :o) Respond to this comment
» left by Lisa Petrarca(298) Lisa Petrarca (1 year 346 days ago.)
I know that I often keep things from everyone to make sure that you do not worry about me. I think you are right that things definitely happened for a greater purpose. Without the love and compassion of friends and co-workers, I would not be able to hopefully touch other peoples lives with my story. My only I hope is to show others that their giving can change the heart of a person forever! I love you mom. Respond to this comment
» left by Carmin Wharton from Tampa, Florida (1 year 348 days ago.)
This article warmed my heart and brought tears of joy to my eyes. I wish every family who is sitting and wondering right now where Christmas will come from could hear this story. The author's children's faith worked a miracle. Faith moves the hand of God - those 3 little children had utter faith that the tree and all the trimmings were on the way. God is good. Respond to this comment
You are so right, if we could all but have the trust and faith of a child the world would be a better place. Thank you for your very heart felt comment. It means so much to me just knowing that there are so many people out there who have such compassion and understanding for the less fortunate. Respond to this comment
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