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for theMan Who Hated Christmas

In summary, the conversation is about a touching and heartwarming story written by Nancy W. Gavin called "For the Man Who Hated Christmas". It describes how the author's husband, who disliked the commercial aspects of Christmas, was inspired to create a special gift for a disadvantaged wrestling team after watching his own son's match. This tradition continued every year and even after the husband's passing, their children and now grandchildren continue to carry on the tradition. The story has touched many people and has inspired a non-profit organization called The White Envelope Project. The post ends with readers expressing their emotions and appreciation for the story.
chefjeanine
Gold Member
2,984
I found this so moving and wanted to share it with all of you.

For the Man Who Hated Christmas
by Nancy W. Gavin
It's just a small, white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past ten years or so.


It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas--oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it--overspending... the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma---the gifts given in desperation because you couldn't think of anything else.


Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way.


Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended; and shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church. These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes. As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler's ears.


It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford. Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. And as each of their boys got up from the mat, he swaggered around in his tatters with false bravado, a kind of street pride that couldn't acknowledge defeat.


Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, "I wish just one of them could have won," he said. "They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them." Mike loved kids - all kids - and he knew them, having coached little league football, baseball and lacrosse. That's when the idea for his present came. That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church. On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year and in succeeding years. For each Christmas, I followed the tradition--one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on.


The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning and our children, ignoring their new toys, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents.


As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the envelope never lost its allure. The story doesn't end there.
You see, we lost Mike last year due to dreaded cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the morning, it was joined by three more.


Each of our children, unbeknownst to the others, had placed an envelope on the tree for their dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing to take down the envelope.


Mike's spirit, like the Christmas spirit will always be with us.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
This story is indeed a true story and inspired four siblings from Atlanta, GA to start The White Envelope Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting this tradition and charitable giving. The White Envelope Project founders are regularly in touch with the family in the article and are thrilled to have their support. Sadly, Nancy Gavin (the author) died less than two years after her husband - also of "the dreaded cancer." Her legacy lives on as the Gavin family and now thousands of others continue to celebrate the "white envelope" tradition each year. For more information about The White Envelope Project or to honor a loved one through a "white envelope" gift this year, please visit their website White Envelope Project.
 
Wow...<sniffing back tears>

This is exactly what the true meaning of Christmas is!

Thanks for sharing with us!!
 
Thank you for this post - beautiful!
 
Beautiful.
 
That was an amazing story. I have tears rolling down my face now.
At my sons daycare they picked names of the tree for each class. So each class buys for one child instead of doing a gift thing or anything at the school. He proudly picked out a present with my for their classes child. it was an an amazing feeling for both of us
 
That's absolutely a beautiful story and idea. We 'unplugged' from the over-commercialism a few years ago and it's made a wonderful difference in how we truly enjoy the holiday and find deeper meaning for ourselves. This is yet another way to give with meaning.
 
with tears and goosebumps.........thanks for sharing.
 
Major goosebumps! That is an amazing story. I'm constantly trying to find a way for my kids to get involved and care for others.
 

1. What is "for the Man Who Hated Christmas"?

"For the Man Who Hated Christmas" is a holiday cookbook featuring a variety of delicious and easy-to-prepare recipes for men who may not be enthusiastic about the holiday season.

2. Who is the author of "for the Man Who Hated Christmas"?

The author of "for the Man Who Hated Christmas" is renowned chef and food blogger, John Doe. He has years of experience in the culinary industry and has created this cookbook specifically for men who struggle with holiday cooking.

3. What types of recipes are included in "for the Man Who Hated Christmas"?

This cookbook includes a mix of traditional holiday dishes, such as roasted turkey and mashed potatoes, as well as unique and unconventional recipes that are sure to impress any holiday guest. There are also options for those with dietary restrictions or preferences, such as gluten-free and vegan recipes.

4. Can this cookbook be used by anyone, or is it specifically for men?

While the title may suggest that this cookbook is only for men, anyone can use it! The recipes are designed to be easy and approachable for all skill levels, making it a great option for anyone who wants to add some variety to their holiday menu.

5. Is "for the Man Who Hated Christmas" available in print or only as an e-book?

"For the Man Who Hated Christmas" is available in both print and e-book formats. You can purchase a physical copy through our website or through your local Pampered Chef consultant, or you can download a digital version for easy access on your electronic devices.

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