A SOUTH AFRICAN CHRISTMAS STORY...FROM "MOM"

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

(Please note that copyright is attached to this blogpost!)

(MAXDOG...in Christmas mode!)

(TOFFEE-DOG and our "prospective Vet"...in Christmas mode!)

MOM'S CHRISTMAS STORY...

About 5 years ago our family hosted two very gifted and endearing exchange students.
Jan was from Germany and Adam from Sweden. These two young boys, both aged 18 years at the time, spent an entire year with us in our home. They attended school with our daughters and became totally integrated into our family and life…indeed I will always regard them as my “Sons” !

Well, as you may expect, South African Christmasses are quite different from our Northern Hemisphere friends' festive seasons. Here, the weather is sweltering and very far from the snowy wonderlands we see across the blogs. Usually our decorations are simple and echo the culture of our wonderful land...


AFRICAN!
VIBRANT!
COLOURFUL!
CREATIVE!


Gifts however usually vary from home to home and are generally determined by affordability.



Well, living in a new country can be quite daunting and a culture shock, so my boys sheepishly asked me that year…
”What do we get you for Christmas?”
Jan (the young German lad) explained to us that in his country, the gifts are usually ‘practical’ and based on improving the recipient’s lifestyle. Adam was more circumspect and inclined to go with the flow but he seemed to echo Jan’s sentiments.

As their ‘host’ mother, I always spoke openly - from my heart:

“Well boys,” I ventured, “How about buying me something that
“SPEAKS TO YOU”
and
“SPEAKS TO ME”!?!”.
My suggestion seemed to confuse them even more, so I took pains to sit them down and explain how I personally go about buying gifts…

“You see,” I explained, “when I shop for somebody I usually don’t shop for something in particular. I find it a lot more interesting and creative to wonder around the stores, looking at the items on display. Eventually I will find something that simply jumps out at me…almost saying;
“Buy me!”
Usually that item will reflect something of the person for whom the gift is intended. It may “feel” like that person and may say something about your relationship with that person!”

Well, the boys looked totally confused and left me grinning inwardly. I love making my children think and bringing out their emotional side, but this time my explanation probably added to their dillema. They left our conversation more confused than enlightened….
(Or so I thought…)

Well Christmas day eventually arrived and their package peered at me enticingly from under the Christmas tree.



I was aware of their sly innuendos and elbow nudges as I looked at my gift. A few days previously they had arrived back home from a Christmas shopping expedition, arms laden with parcels, their faces sporting smiles - which could "fit bananas in sideways."
“We found something that SPOKE TO US!”
they claimed, grinning widely.
“We are certain that it will SPEAK TO YOU too, Caryl!”

Well, I was really curious. Had I, at last, generated lateral thinking in these beautiful boys? The parcel was now on my lap. It was beautifully wrapped as only loving boys can wrap gifts. They had obviously spent an enormous amount of time on it and I was fascinated. Had I left it there on my lap, that day, and not opened the gift at all, its intention would have been totally complete!!!

…afterall, it’s the thought that counts, isn’t it?!!

But as I looked at their gleeful faces and their excited anticipation, I slowly unwrapped my gift. I knew the love that had gone into buying this special gift! I knew the hours of deliberation which had produced it and I felt their joy at their selection…

THIS WAS THEIR GIFT...



For those who may be confused, this is a fully functional little FM radio!!!

It can be tuned in to receive all the radio stations on the FM wavelength here in
SOUTH AFRICA.
It is beautifully and cleverly crafted - out of standard wire - and decorated with recycled materials.
It is a RADIO – A COMMUNICATION DEVICE – THAT DEFINITELY
"SPEAKS'’ TO ME!!!"
My boys’ gift is one of the most memorable and beautiful gifts which I have ever received!!!
The thought and love that went into this gift remains unmatched.


(photo: Christmas 2008)


THANK YOU AGAIN, JAN AND ADAM!!!

You will always be MY boys! I love you and will never forget you!

With lots of love from

YOUR 'HOST' MOM IN SOUTH AFRICA!

(Caryl Moll)