Today’s tale is about the best Christmas gift ever given. It involves a dad, a daughter and a bag of acorns.
The dad walks most days, and he often stops to grab a fallen acorn or twig.
They’re his worry “stones,” these not-actually-stones. As he walks, he rolls each day’s treasure between palm and fingers, feeling its texture, squeezing its hardness.
He often pockets these prizes and, on returning home, drops them into a bowl. Some days, he grabs one from the bowl when heading out to walk.
The daughter, home for the holidays, sees her dad’s nuts and twigs.
“Why’s this stuff in the house?” she asks.
Dad explains, sheepishly.
She scoffs, tenderly.
Then comes Christmas morning. The daughter gives Dad a festive gift bag. He paws inside and finds …
His “worry stone” hoard.
My hoard.
I’d collected my own gift not knowing I had, and she gave it knowing I’d enjoy it. And on every walk since, as I snagged a nut from ground or bowl, I’ve thought of her.
So yes. My best gift ever.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas from Years Past
2024: ‘This Love’s for You’
2023: A Christmas Wish
2022: A Toothbrush Christmas
2021: Bless the Baby. Bless Us All.
2020: A Christmas Blessing
Lovely story!
Merry Christmas!
So much love in something so simple; this story reminds us that the real gifts aren’t things, but the people we love and the quiet moments we share with them.
Wishing you a gentle, love-filled Christmas.
At least she knew you’d like the gift! Merry Christmas to the whole Gauger clan!
Lovely, sweet essay, Jeff. Merry Christmas. My wish for you is a return to health, and many more years of creativity. Much love,
Darlene
A beautiful story, Jeff. Merry Christmas, to you and your family. 🎄🫶🏽
Julie Clemons