And then there was Mathilda's. All she wants for Christmas is a pair of medium pants and socks.

I grabbed her tag and then asked the director of the program what style of clothing does Mathilda typically wear, so I could get her something she'd be pleased with.

The director didn't know Mathilda other than by reputation. She said to call her at the center and that she'd ask the volunteers. I called and one of the volunteers said that she was pretty sure that Mathilda wears a large. I am still waiting to get a phone call back and it makes me nervous that someone whose only request was for basic necessities and whom no one seems to know might go without getting what she asked for. I'm at the point to where I'm thinking I'll just go to Target because they issue guest receipts and if she hates it or it's too small or too big or too ugly, she can pick something out she likes better.

Mathilda is close to my age, so I figure I'll get her something that I'd be okay with wearing and hope it fits.

I guess hearing that she was close to my age shook me a lot. But for the will of God, I could be her. It just made me thankful for what I've got.

I finally called the Center back and got the information that Mathilda is a size 12/14 and always wears blue jeans, so I went and got her a pair of wranglers and a pair of soft wool blend denim blue socks to match.

I wanted to get her a shirt, too, but we really didn't have that much money to spend and I figured when my kids are older we'll talk about giving our Christmas away to other people. To me Christmas is for children, especially little children, so for right now, we got Mathilda socks and a pair of pants.

Both kids are really super excited about what's under the Christmas tree already, and while I think it would be cool if they volunteered to give their Christmas away to people who might not otherwise have a Christmas, I don't think Genny or Russell are ready to give up their dolls and videos just yet.

I am thinking though that next year, that we might start talking about it with Russell. If I tell him I have so much allotted for Christmas and then ask him how much of it he would be willing to spend on another kid who had a lot less money in their family and see if he's up for it.

He likes to help. So do I, so I guess I know where it comes from.

If I'm not back here before Christmas, I hope everyone enjoys a happy winter holiday -- regardless of whether it's the Solstice, Hanukah, Kwanza or Christmas.

I just made snickerdoodles, so it's officially Christmas in our house.