Thursday, December 19, 2019

Karen Del Tatto Fondly Remembers A Priceless Christmas Gift

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"
2 Corinthians 9:15 (NKJV)

Guest Post #10

"A Priceless Christmas Gift" by Karen Del Tatto

"My favorite Christmas memory occurred probably about 20 years ago.  My husband was out of work, we didn't have any money to buy each other gifts, and what money we did have was spent on one gift for each of our children, who were 8 and 12 at the time.  My parents always sent us money for the kids at Christmas time, so we were able to use that money so that there were more than just two gifts under the tree.

  Christmas morning there was one more gift under the tree, and it was for me.  I was very confused and looked at my husband and said, "I thought we agreed we weren't going to buy each other presents since we don't have the money."  He just smiled and said "open it."  I opened the box and found this inside...


A simple ceramic house that has an area for a votive candle inside.  My husband bought it on Christmas Eve at Brooks Pharmacy, of all places, on clearance for 50 cents.  

I LOVED it as soon as I saw it!   It is my most special and prized Christmas possession.  Every year it is placed in a prominent spot in my living room.  (And each year when I take the little house out and place it in its special spot, I remind myself of Carolyn Ingalls when she places the ceramic angel on the mantel of every home they live in.  ☺ )

Our family didn't have much that year materially speaking, but it was the most meaningful Christmas we spent as a family, because the focus was not on gifts, but on thoughtful kindness."

Bio:  Karen Del Tatto lives in Rhode Island.  She is a Pastor's wife, momma of two adult children, Christopher, who is married to Leanne, and Gabrielle, who is married to Garrett, and Mimi to their two children 4 year old Lexi and 1 year old Chase.  She is currently working on expanding her Christian Blog, Growing Together in Grace and Knowledge, with a focus on providing Biblical insights to encourage and equip women to grow in and through their struggles.  Karen's husband is the Associate Pastor at their home church where she also serves as the Women's Ministry Leader.  On days that she is not doing ministry work, she is spending time with her daughter and grandchildren, and in nicer weather, you will always find her enjoying God's creation on her screened in porch.  She and her husband enjoy taking nature walks and when the weather permits, going fresh water fishing.   In the winter, you will find them looking for the resident snowy owl that makes its return every year or enjoying local museums and mansions."

I hope you take the time to visit Karen's Blog, where you will find much spiritual depth, edification, and Godly wisdom.  You can also connect with Karen on Facebook and Pinterest.

Also, be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Karen by clicking HERE!!

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16 comments:

  1. BetsyDecember 19, 2019 at 12:09 PM

    What a special gift. I believe that we appreciate things like that much, much more when we've had to live through struggles. Karen, thank you for sharing this special memory with us. The little house is darling.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. CherylDecember 20, 2019 at 7:10 AM

      I totally agree. Those rough times teach us to better appreciate the easier times! I loved Karen's story! May the Lord bless you during this beautiful Christmas season, sweet friend!

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    2. Karen Del TattoDecember 20, 2019 at 4:35 PM

      Hi Betsy, You are so very welcome! :-) I know! I love it! ;-)

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  2. Marilyn @ MountainTopSpiceDecember 19, 2019 at 6:05 PM

    A beautiful story Karen! Such a treasure and it is true, it is in times when we have little to give, that gifts mean the most. Blessings to you Karen!

    This is such a fun series Cheryl, I hope to try to read through all of the posts :) Blessings and hugs to you sweet friend!

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    1. CherylDecember 20, 2019 at 7:11 AM

      Oh, I hope you can read through them all! We have enjoyed them so much! There are still more to come - right up until Christmas! We ended up getting more than we expected, so now there will be one a day, instead of every other day. SO wonderful! Many blessings and hugs back to you, sweet friend!

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    2. Karen Del TattoDecember 20, 2019 at 4:36 PM

      Hi Marilyn, Thank you. Blessings to you too! :-)

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  3. FloydDecember 19, 2019 at 8:22 PM

    What a wonderful and heartwarming story!!!

    The best gifts are the ones from the heart. Money can't buy love gifts. They come from the heart's where our Savior resides.

    Beautiful story. That puts things into perspective.

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    1. CherylDecember 20, 2019 at 7:12 AM

      Amen, brother. I love how you worded that about love gifts and how they come from the heart where our Savior resides. That is a wonderful way of saying that. You have such a God-given way with words! I trust you and your family are enjoying a blessed Christmas season!

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    2. Karen Del TattoDecember 20, 2019 at 4:37 PM

      Hi Floyd, Thank you. Indeed! Great perspective "love gifts". Wishing you a blessed Christmas.

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  4. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenDecember 20, 2019 at 3:15 PM

    I LOVED this post, and yes, I can see why that little house is Karen's most prized treasure. It was so heartwarming!!

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    1. CherylDecember 22, 2019 at 3:07 AM

      It surely was so very heartwarming and such a sweet story. God bless you, Kitty!

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    2. Karen Del TattoDecember 29, 2019 at 4:44 PM

      Hi Kitty, I'm so glad you loved this post. It was a beautiful exercise to write for at dear Cheryl's prompting. :-)

      Wishing you all of God's blessings in the New Year.

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  5. ArithaDecember 23, 2019 at 2:14 AM

    Love your story. Here in the Nertherlands we don't give presents when it is Christmas. But you story is precious and s nice to read.

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    1. CherylDecember 23, 2019 at 6:13 AM

      Thank you so much for your visit, Aritha! It was so interesting to hear about your Christmas traditions in the Netherlands! Gift-giving is such a part of Christmas in America, and oh, my, I fear it has become so consumerism-driven that it greatly distracts from the beautiful, true message of Christmas. May the Lord bless you at this blessed time of year!

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    2. Karen Del TattoDecember 29, 2019 at 4:46 PM

      Hi Aritha, I'm so glad you enjoyed my story. I did not know that about the Netherlands. It must certainly keep the focus on Jesus alone.

      Wishing you God's blessings in the new year. :-)

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  6. A Joyful CottageDecember 30, 2019 at 12:22 PM

    Such a sweet story. I love that Karen has kept the tradition of placing the little house in its "special spot" every year. A beautiful memory.

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