As most of my hours are spent in the kitchen this time of year, I am fortunate that Greg accepted my invitation to be my guest writer for this entry. I believe this is the first time he has been able to accompany us on the annual Christmas List adventure. The special gift for me is to enjoy this moment through his eyes.
The Christmas List
Tis the Season and with it comes a tradition that Ross looks forward to every year, the creation of his annual Christmas list. The first or second week of December Marla will somehow find a couple hours in her already hectic schedule to take Ross to the local Wal-Mart for the sole purpose of identifying the specific items he wants Santa to bring him for Christmas. There are really no set rules on what he may ask for but he has already decided just how many gifts he wants. The count must be ten. Not five. Not eight. Not twelve. But Ten. Why he chose the number ten remains a mystery but it is a rule that must remain unbroken. The dollar value and size of the individual gifts do not seem to matter to him. One might be a $40 action figure that is has all the latest lights, sounds, and movement that today’s technology makes possible. Another might be a 99 cent coloring book. As long as the number of gifts hit the magic number ten he will be satisfied.
Walmart is Ross’ store of choice for his Christmas shopping and as it so happens the Walmart in our new home in Arizona is a supersized one. The locals even call it Mall-Mart! Marla generally follows a few feet behind Ross as he navigates the isles like a pro. She stays close enough to observe, but not so close as to disturb his concentration. This year she was a bit concerned due to the fact that the store’s layout was a little different and she was afraid that not knowing the store as well might cause him some frustration. However, that didn’t seem to bother him in the least.
He truly loves to wander through the aisles and Marla enjoys watching him as his eyes meticulously scan each and every bit of merchandise to make certain that he does not miss anything. The trek often begins with a slow and deliberate stroll past the shelves filled with hundreds of toys. Then it’s on to the books, where he searches through the racks packed with books full of colorful pictures and stories. Finally, he must thoroughly investigate all of the movies and music DVD’s displayed. When the job is finally completed a total of nine items will make the cut. What about the tenth item? Well, Number 10 is his all-time favorite, his NEVER to be forgotten gift…a Disney Daily Calendar. Come Christmas morning it may not be the first gift unwrapped, but it will be the one he examines the most thoroughly. Page by page he will check to make sure that there are 365 days with the appropriate numbers and accompanying illustrations.
Once the list is completed, it is hung on the refrigerator door where Santa, who sees and knows all, can find it. Within the next week or so I will work with Marla to arrange a time when one of us can sneak back to the store to make the purchase of the selected gifts. Of course they must be hidden until Christmas morning and special care must be taken to hide the receipts as well. Yes, Ross will scan receipts to see exactly what was purchased.
Yes, “Tis the Season”. The time when kids throughout the world dream of the gifts they will receive on Christmas morning. As for Marla and I, we get our gift early. A son who will never let the magic of Christmas disappear. Thank you God.
“We have much for which to be thankful.” This brings memories of Allan Rohrer to mind Can’t count how many times I heard him say this. I’m wishing Ross and you the best Christmas ever!
I wouldn’t begin to guess the times I heard it either! I felt that “We have much for which to be thankful” was a perfect category for my blog. We are so thankful for where we are today and recognizing that the little things really do matter! Merry Christmas to you and your family, also!!
God knew who the perfect parents for Ross would be. I enjoy reading the posts. Love trying to think how Ross thinks!
Thank you, Rhonda. Not a day goes by, that I don’t wonder that myself!! Merry Christmas!
Many times we’ve said how very lucky Ross is to have you and Greg as his parents. You are so loving and patient with him. God has certainly given you many special gifts! God bless your family and we wish you a happy Christmas season,
Thank you so much for your kind words, Janet. We are truly thankful and blessed. Christmas blessings to you and your wonderful family!!
God bless your family this Christmas season! How special your holidays must be!
Our holidays are certainly memorable. Blessings to you and your family, Debbie!
Love this, You and Marla we’re blessed and hand picked for this very special young man. I love these stories, thanks for sharing. He certainly has brought much joy, and you have cherished it all.♥️
We are truly blessed, Mary. Counting our blessings everyday! Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful family!
I loved this post! Merry Christmas Marla and family
Thank you, Kay! Merry Christmas to you and your family as well!
Beautifully written, Greg! I remember some years when Grandpa and Grandma were to find the Disney Daily Calendar! That was always top priority when in Springfield. How excited we were when we finally found it! Sending my love and wishing you a blessed Merry Christmas! See you in January!
That was before online shopping!! It certainly was trying to find a needle in a haystack and very stressful! We always knew that you and dad would come home with the calendar 😉
Can’t wait for your visit!
Wonderful post! Beautifully written and so incredibly sweet. Your family is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing this lovely piece of your life!❤️
Thanks, Kathy!! I only had to beg him a few minutes 😉
Merry Christmas!!
Loved this story! Keep
Em coming and Merry Christmas to Ross
And you all !!
Thanks, Rhonda!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!!
My first Christmas back in Taylorville I GOT to be the one to go back to Wal-Mart!😁 Marla texted me pictures of the items I was supposed to get👍😋 WOOHOOT!!! Ross and I like alot of the same toys😜😜💙💜
Our Christian makes his list every year too, with such flourish and delight!
Isn’t it wonderful that we get to witness their joy every year!! Have a wonderful Christmas Marcie!!
Our son is also autistic. Walmart is his favorite store and he’s like your son. Every year we have to go aisle by aisle, writing the names and numbers of the items he’s wanting.
Zachary is 17, 6’1″ and is an overall large boy! The looks we get when he gets over excited by something he really, really wants aren’t understanding or nice. I always go to the offending parties, let them know he’s autistic and watch as their face turns beat red and they go on their way.
Christmas is a treat when we have such gentle and kind hearted children. Zachary keeps Christmas in heart year round.
Nice to know that we aren’t the only ones hanging out in the toy department! Thank you for sharing your story. Continued strength to you as you navigate your own maze.
Words of unconditional LOVE, patience and kindness. The TRUE meaning of Christmas. Seeing it in “the eyes of a child” … Nothing more magical ♥️
It was so heartwarming for me to read this from Greg’s point of view. 🙂