Neighbor gifts

Two more weeks until Christmas Eve!  I need to get moving on the neighbor gifts in a major way.  Dipped pretzels?  Plates of homemade candy?  Hot chocolate mix in a jar?

I was just thinking of how my old 'hood is probably doing their annual Christmas tree activity about right now. I was remembering how they put fake names of real people in our area (with their ages, sizes, and wants) on the ornaments on the tree, and how families go over and chose a few ornaments and buy gifts for that fake person, then the gifts are secretly delivered to the doorstep of the family.  I was remembering the wonderful feelings I've had each year that they have included my family in that tradition.  I really am so very glad it isn't me on that tree again this year, but in some ways I'm sad.  I'm so thankful I don't need to be on it, but I'll miss the love that came with every present!  I'll miss pretending that I don't know that they are doing something for us.  I'll miss wondering if we really don't need help, but wanting it anyway. 

I'm glad I didn't know how much I would miss those small things when I decided to move - because I never would have made the change had I had any idea.  I'm so glad that I've made changes for myself, but I miss the overall feeling of love and friendship that exists in the old 'hood!  I'm not sure how to recreate it, but I know I'll always remember it.