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A Christmas Gift

© April Lee Schmidt

I had not given much thought as to what to write this month’s article on. To be honest I have just been to busy. I went to wake up my daughter Samantha this morning and found an essay lying on the floor next to her bed. After reading it I had my article for this month.

Since she first learned how to read and write she has used writing as a means of expressing herself. I have long thought of this as one of her many gifts. One of Samantha’s other gifts is her intolerance of prejudice and stereotyping. Naturally with Christmas being just a few days away I have been hearing many ‘I wants’ from all of my children. Like many parents I wonder how am I going to get it across to them that Christmas is suppose to be about giving and not getting ; while at the same time hoping to fulfill their dreams and wishes. While I was reading this essay Samantha gave me the gift of reassurance. I no longer have to worry about her understanding this meaning of Christmas. I was slapped in the face with just how strong her intolerance of stereotyping is as well when I read this essay. And I became very aware of how damaging we as adults can be by stereotyping teenagers.

“Teenagers Really do Know the Meaning of Christmas" by Samantha Glashaw

Most people think that teenagers are shallow, dramatic, self-absorbed, hormone driven creatures. But we are not, really. We do have our own personalities and souls underneath all that attitude.

Yesterday one of my good friend’s house burnt down and all of her belongings and her family’s things disappeared in a flash, along with all of their Christmas decorations and presents. The household consisted of my 14 year-old friend, her 16 and 17 year-old brothers and their parents. All of them are popular, well known and well liked at our small school.

Well the day that the fire happened I was in fourth period goofing off with some friends when the substitute teacher told us about the fire and that they were taking up a collection for a ‘relief fund’. Most people would think that a room full of selfish, rude, loud and self centered teenagers would turn their noses up at actually giving money of all things to another person.

This room of obnoxious teenagers sure did fill up that cup very quickly. By the time it made its way all around the room it was overflowing with cash. Cash that could have very well have bought a soda, bag of chips or even a Christmas present for a boyfriend or girlfriend.