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I recently introduced Grasshopper, age 6, to a favorite Christmas video from my childhood, A Charlie Brown Christmas. In that video, a depressed Charlie Brown is given the assignment to obtain and decorate a Christmas tree for the children's Christmas play. But the only tree he can find is a scrawny baby tree. But he convinces himself that it will be just fine after it is decorated.
Grasshopper watched as the children laughed at that little tree, and Grasshopper exclaimed, “But it is so beautiful! How can they laugh at it!” She was so passionate and sincere in her response. I tried to take a moment to see what she saw…the beauty in Christmas.
In the busyness of the season, may you stop to see the beauty in the people, the gifts, and the circumstances that you find yourself in.
Alison Moore Smith is a 61-year-old entrepreneur who graduated from BYU in 1987. She has been (very happily) married to Samuel M. Smith for 40 years. They are parents of six incredible children and grandparents to two astounding grandsons. She is the author of The 7 Success Habits of Homeschoolers.
One of my all time favorite shows. I think it is wonderful that your little one can find the beauty in the tree without being told to look for it!! Would that we could all find that beauty within ourselves as well as around us in the world.
Welcome to MM Pattyann. 🙂
Tracy, I’m totally with Grasshopper. I always loved that skimpy little tree — and felt sorry for it! 🙂
This lesson is particularly important in people. I honestly think there is something to like and admire in almost everyone. Finding it is a really good exercise.
Amen about finding that in everyone – a great exercise, especially this time of year.
Great story, Tracy P! When I was in Mexico, one of the things I loved about the Christmas decorations was that it was completely centered on the Nativity. The nativity set in our family’s living room was not on a table, but actually took up one end of the room. All the furniture was rearranged, and they put down boxes and blocks and then covered with cloths (to make a background/setting of different heights) and then the nativity was set on that. It was the focal point of the room and it was beautiful. The tree, clearly an afterthought, was very much a Charlie Brown tree. It was small, thin, and happily decorated by the younger children.
What a great story and a great lesson, too. Merry Christmas!
Hi everyone!
Tracy, this is a cute story. Insightful child. I’m trying this year to be organized enough to see the beauty.
Great story. 🙂
Tracy, I’ve been reading along your new posts here. So glad you joined. I love your spirit.
Thanks so much Lisalisa! That is always great to hear.