After a year at the University of Washington, I was an unsatisfied "ex" college student who decided to go to work full time to earn the money to travel to Great Britain and Europe. Able to convince a friend to do the same, we worked and saved and eventually made the trip which was nearly a full 3-month adventure.
But prior to that trip, I lived at home as did my friend, and for the first time in my life I was able to purchase some "big" gifts for my parents who'd always been so extravagant in their giving to me. It felt so incredibly good to be able to purchase truly meaningful gifts for them. I bought my mom a set of dishes - I still have most of that dish set, but it's boxed up now. I got a valet chair for my dad which he used until he died and now we have it in our bedroom.
That next Christmas we returned I think on the 23rd of December with what felt like a million gifts from "overseas" to wrap. It was hectic and I've hated wrapping presents ever since. I remember I bought my mom a dress from a boutique in Florence. It fit her perfectly and looked adorable on her!
Those are two of my particularly sweet Christmas memories.
Father, you gave me the most wonderful parents, and I can never thank you enough for them. I only wish I could've done more for them. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.