About the Author

Charlotte Simpson, aka the Traveling Black Widow is a retired guidance counselor and special education teacher. After losing her husband of 31 years, she made solo-world-travel a central part of her retirement and has traveled all seven continents and 50 states. ​

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  1. My sister and her family don’t give gifts to anyone at Christmas. They have a cake for Jesus and spend the day relaxing and celebrating Him.

    Another of my friends family it was becoming too expensive to give everyone gifts so,they gather play games, go to church and just enjoy each others company.

    Both these families celebrate big on individual family members birthdays but on Christmas they keep it simple and remember the Reason for the Season!

  2. What a beautiful sentiment! I agree that secular culture is trying to overshadow the ultimate gift that only God can give and has given – Jesus Christ. May we Christians shed His light in the darkness. Have a Blessed Christmas!

  3. A beautiful story and thank you for sharing. Yes, it’s the birth of Jesus and that should never be forgotten. Christmas should be whatever makes you happy, we have that right.

  4. That was beautiful.
    Thank you for reminding us of the ever-present need for hope.
    Jesus is our Hope.
    We need hope.
    Hope deferred still makes the heart sick.
    Here’s hoping we all have a hope-filled, joy-filled CHRIST-mas.
    Merry CHRIST-mas and Happy Kwanzaa to you, your family, and the entire Mahogany Writing Community!!!

  5. That was beautiful.
    Thank you for reminding us of the ever-present need for hope.
    Jesus is our Hope.
    We need hope.
    Hope deferred still makes the heart sick.
    Here’s hoping we all have a hope-filled, joy-filled CHRIST-mas.
    Merry CHRIST-mas and Happy Kwanzaa to you, your family, and the entire Mahogany Writing Community!!!

  6. Well written message and one to ponder. It is a real and powerful message. Truly we shouldnt forget the true meaning of Christmas because Christ is the only reason for the season. However, so much love and joy is in the air! I am glad that there are places like toy-for-tots so that others aren’t forgotten..thanks!!

  7. I agree wholeheartedly with giving the gift of hope. Last year my gift to my many grandchildren and great grandchildren was to start the monthly gift to St Jude for Children and I will be continuing it this year. I also plan to volunteer to do something with teen moms I hope. I am just seeking an organization. I also bake with love and send my bake goods to my family. I wish I could afford to send them to others who have requested them over time. I may start with one person this year. Christmas isn’t about buying the most gifts which I have done in the past. It surely isn’t about going into debt but it is about loving the person(s) who is always there with you. In my case it is my only daughter. She has cared and been with me all her life and I am so grateful.

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