A little story of Christmas

Lori · Post by **Lori** » Thu Dec 16, 1999 5:56 am

This has nothing to do with karate - it is only a reminder to notice the "little things" during this busy time of year.

Following is a holiday observation:

<blockquote>
Christmas is a season of mixed emotion for me – the commercialism frustrates me – the extra demands on my already precious time are frustrating – the financial stress is unwelcome – and even though it is the season of “good will,” there seems to be an excess of short tempers to deal with.

As an elementary school teacher, the flurry before the holiday break involves trying my own shortened patience with over-excited children with their minds on everything except the already reduced content lesson plans that MUST be attempted before the end of the marking period. Late papers – (if you can get them at all!) must be graded in time for report card deadlines – (forget about getting your own Christmas shopping done!) and the little darlings must be coaxed into performing their very best for the must have Christmas pageant that your school is producing for the parents…

During this time of year it becomes even more challenging to see each child as the special and unique individual that s/he is – without lumping them into a group of sugar-crazed monsters operating at high-speed and high-volume – and to remain compassionate to each child’s own set of challenges and stresses of this season.

Of course, all of my students are special. Each one has gifts and talents that are unique and that I hope to nurture the best that I can. Many gave me gifts today – all reflecting their thoughts and appreciation of me as their teacher – all were touching and heartfelt. But tonight, as I sit here reflecting on the end of the year and the events of the last loud and busy days of school before the winter break – I remember poignantly one child in particular who taught the teacher a beautiful lesson of Christmas.

This student (I’ll call him “Johnny”) is the one that never seems to have his school supplies. Always borrowing a pencil – his clothes are not the “latest” or the “coolest” – he is not at the top of the class, he’s not popular, not the class clown, has a speech impediment and is a bit overweight. He orders a reduced lunch and his clothes are well worn. Yet he is always polite, quiet, with a ready smile and helping hand. He doesn’t really shine in any subject or area; in fact, if you don’t take attendance, you may not even notice that he is there.

Children love showing each other their newest school supplies – with their favorite cartoon characters or whatever else is “in” – and Johnny doesn’t seem to be in on the latest and greatest, yet he does admire politely. Last week, he proudly showed me a fancy new blue pen that he had – he was so happy with this pretty pen and I smiled and told him that he really must enjoy writing with such a special pen. He grinned and said that he really did – and I noticed that the pen wasn’t out of his hand much at all for the next few days. I filed that fact with the zillion other things I try to notice about my children every day, and promptly forgot about it.

Today my class made a big production of arranging all my Christmas gifts on a table and seating me in the middle of a big circle to open them. With much oohing and ahhing – thank you hugs and my own offerings back to the class, we went through the gift giving ritual. One or two children did not have gifts to offer, but I of course prefaced the whole exchange with my comments that each one of them gave me gifts everyday for which I was very grateful – with their smiles, their stories, and their readiness to learn. I made it a point to wish each child a special holiday greeting whether they gave me a gift or not, yet I knew that one or two might feel self-conscious that they did not have a present to give. After we cleared away the shredded paper and shining bows… presents stored away and making ready for the next phase of last day festivities, Johnny walked up to me. He shyly pressed something into my hand and told me he wanted to give me a present too. I smiled and thanked him, offering another hug as per ritual. Looking down into my hand I saw that I was holding a crudely wrapped pen – and moving the paper aside, I saw the very same special blue pen that he had been enjoying so much last week.

With tears in my eyes I told him quite honestly, that this was the most special present I had received today – and I would treasure it in my heart always.

I thought I knew why I wanted to teach – but today I learned yet again that I have even more to learn from these children than I ever realized.

Wishing you a Christmas of special little gifts.</blockquote>

Peace,
Lori

JohnC · Post by **JohnC** » Thu Dec 16, 1999 6:11 am

Lori:

Merry Christmas and thanks for sharing with us such a personal, warm story. Yes, Christmas is a mixed up time of year so full of emotions, triumphs and sadness!

And now you, a double teacher! Is that like teacher squared? A wonderful, honorable calling, twice!

JohnC

student · Post by **student** » Thu Dec 16, 1999 10:36 am

I'm not sure what pressure point you managed to touch, Lori-Chan, without even any physical contact - but focusing my eyes through the tears at present is a little challenging.

You are lucky to have had him, but he is even more lucky to have you - as are we.

Hazzak, Hazzak, V'NitHazeyk! (Hebrew)
"Grow strong, grow strong; thus we all shall grow strong!"

Season's best. Thank you for the post.

But I must disagree that this has nothing to do with Karate. Nothing to do with Jitsu; agreed.

Everything to do with Do.

student

david · Post by **david** » Thu Dec 16, 1999 1:15 pm

Lori,

Thanks for sharing that.

A reminder that even when we think we have "nothing, we always have something to give, if we truly want to give. You give. Johnny gives back. You are both touched and wealthier for it. And there is that much better karma in our world.

david

Jackie Olsen · Post by **Jackie Olsen** » Thu Dec 16, 1999 3:12 pm

Lori-chan...

Thanks for sharing a modern day O'Henry story (remember he wrote about the woman who cut her hair to buy her husband a chain for his pocket watch, while he sold his watch to buy her a comb for her hair)!. It is good to sing the giving song to each other so that we remember who we are. May blessings pour upon you and your students this Holiday Season.

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In Beauty,

Jackie

Post by **gmattson** » Thu Dec 16, 1999 7:25 pm

Beautiful example about the true nature of the holidays Lori.

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GEM

Allen M. · Post by **Allen M.** » Thu Dec 16, 1999 9:52 pm

Looks like your little student gave us all a gift.

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Allen, now at his new website www.ury2k.com

Van Canna · Post by **Van Canna** » Fri Dec 17, 1999 12:26 am

“ The heart of the giver makes the gift dear and precious” And as “ the only gift is a portion of thyself “ that boy has truly given you his heart!

He has given you “ affectionately”, which is, in itself, a great and rare gift of the soul.

We should be so lucky, Lori-chan!

Merry Christmas

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Van Canna

RACastanet · Post by **RACastanet** » Fri Dec 17, 1999 12:29 am

Yes, yes.... Very nice story.
Rich

natalie lane · Post by **natalie lane** » Fri Dec 17, 1999 7:40 pm

Hello Lori-San

I just stopped in to see what was going on here and around GEM's site.

I'm glad I did, that story illustrates just how special you are.

Happy Holidays to All.

Natalie

Lori · Post by **Lori** » Fri Dec 17, 1999 8:03 pm

To all: Thanks for the nice feedback - I wondered if this was really an appropriate place to share such a story - but I like what Student-san said - it does have everything to do with "do"...

I really could classify myself as more of a scrooge or a Grinch around the Christmas season - if not outwardly, then on the inside. We all have myriad emotions we have to deal with during this time of year, and they are compounded this particular year with the hoopla surrounding the new millenium... Whatever story you adhere to about the changing of the millenium (no year zero making it really next year etc.) fact remains that this year, on our calendar, is coming to a close. The solstice marks an environmental change in time and season - a time to reflect on the balance of darkness and light in the world - and in our own soul. Some of us have lost loved ones who were focal points of the holiday season, some of us are parted from those closest to our hearts but far away in distance - making a happy countenance more than a little difficult. The "hustle and bustle" can wear on even a saint's nerves - and after childhood, it is a rare soul indeed who can truly feel the "spirit" of Christmas - I am not one of those rare people! My Christmas "spirit" has been but a mask I have put on for the children - taking time (a lot!) to make it from the outside to the inside. But that little experience in my classroom gave me an injection of what I believe to be true Christmas spirt - outside of religion or tradition - it is, as Van Sensei so eloquently stated - "a great and rare gift of the soul" - which taught me, the teacher, a lesson. In my role as sensei at the dojo, I'm always learning from the kyu ranks, with their un-jaded perspective on techniques that are brand-new to them - that is a large part of what I enjoy so much about teaching - learning from the students! And in my career as well, I count myself very fortunate to have opportunity to learn such important life lessons from those who are not "jaded" yet by the world...

Thank you for the opportunity to share with you all.

Peace,
Lori

Mary S · Post by **Mary S** » Fri Dec 17, 1999 8:13 pm

Lori-chan:

I think of you as lucky to have such a wonderful experience come your way at such a frantic time of the year...and I count myself as even luckier still that you would share it with us...it is so easy to lose perspective of what is truly important in life...thanks and Merry Christmas to all forum participants (even the lurkers). Hope that all have a safe and happy holiday season...Mary

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Elizabeth · Post by **Elizabeth** » Sun Dec 19, 1999 3:22 pm

Lori,
I always thought you were a "scrooge" or "grinch" but this story proves to me how kind and caring you truly are. This story has warmed me from the bottom of my heart. thanks for making my and everone elses Christmas better.

[This message has been edited by Lori (edited 12-19-99).]