Who gives a bollocks? I just got a lovely box of presents for my kids. We are not poor but we are not well off either, I don't mention my finances on Mumsnet much, only on that thread with Xenia! Yet I was nominated, still not sure why. I didn't know how to take the nomination at first, should I be offended that people think I've not got two pennies to rub together? Should I be flattered that people have thought me deserving? I decided to feel flattered but I politely refused, feeling that there were others who deserved gifts much more than me and my family.
Soapy however persuaded me to change my mind, stating that people were not nominated on the basis that they were poor, but because other Mumsnetters thought they had been through a tough time and needed a bit of Christmas cheer. So I accepted, but to ease my guilt I also nominated, in my mind, a more deserving Mumsnetter and I contributed a little something to the whole scheme.
This week has been tough for many reasons. This afternoon my neighbour came round with a box that she had taken in for me, in it was a little note from a Mumsnetter, a card for me and my family, separate cards for my children, clothes and presents. I was moved to tears that someone who did not know me, could be so thoughtful! Great care had been taken in packing my box for me.
What was a hard and horrible week has now been lifted and I'm feeling overwhelmed and shocked and touched. This is the greatest gift that all you givers have given - it's not the presents, as lovely as they are, it's the feeling that people out there do care, that there is a generosity of spirit that has been shone onto you. It's a very warm and fuzzy feeling!
I shall tell my children that someone they don't know, children they don't know, have given them these gifts because they wanted to do something nice and kind for Christmas. I hope my kids learn from them, I hope we all learn from them!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Soapbox for organising such a scheme and all those givers. You have given so much more than presents and I hope your Christmasses are all the more special, in the knowledge that you have restored the message of Christmas and brought happiness in some homes.
And I don't care how cheesy all of this sounds, for once I'm dropping my "bah humbug" mask for a bit, you lot have shown me your humanity, it's only fair that you see mine.