Clint Hill

Madi is getting a guitar. Nola is getting a cupcake maker. Both of them are getting Leap Frog tag readers. Putting all of the gifts under the tree I had a thought. This doesn’t seem like that many gifts. It caught me off guard. Did I not put in enough effort this year for Christmas gifts?

Then I realized I was wrong. I had put in the effort. The difference is it just wasn’t for Christmas presents. It wasn’t the number of gifts under the tree. It was everything I had done this year to make wonderful memories for them to have for the rest of their life.

Losses and sacrifices were plenty this year. Dad and GG past away. I lost a job for the first time in my life (laid off) and humbled myself enough to apply for unemployment. I gave up on building my own software company (temporarily). I put aside a lot of emotion to make sure I attended to my family. I wanted to make sure the girls weren’t hurting the way I was. No regrets. I would do it again, over and over again.

I realize it’s not about providing a lot of presents at Christmas. My job as “daddy” is to provide a lifetime of memories for the girls. It’s my job to make sure that everyday they get what is important. Fun, encouragement, confidence, discipline, a safe home and education. Those are just a few of the things that I am supposed to provide.

My thought about the number of gifts under the tree is actually me trying to feel good about something. But that’s misdirected. I should feel good about all of the things I did this year for them. We bought a boat and started many traditions. Cruising under the London Bridge each trip out on the water. Ice cream sandwiches at the Hampton. There were things we did at home too. We made pigs out of coffee cans. Pool parties at Billy’s house. Carved jack-o-lanterns on halloween. Football Sunday. Roasted marshmallows in the fire pit. Hung out in the garage waxing the boat. And twice this year I took the girls out to eat by myself.

Those are the things that are important. Gifts are good, but memories are more important. And for Christmas it’s important to make memories the girls will cherish. I think we’re doing a good job. I’m proud of all that.

I know Dad would be too.