Joys for the Special Ones

Christmas is always a special time for children. What with all the chocolates, candies, cakes and other goodies that the season is so famous for. Although messy, children gathered around the Christmas table eating by themselves or children attending Christmas parties are such a pleasant sight.
But imagine a Christmas party for children who cannot feed themselves and need the assistance of others. Imagine a Christmas for differently-abled children.

I was able to attend a special gathering for special children at the Lapu-Lapu City Auditorium last year. It was a Christmas party sponsored by a foundation for parents and special children.

The children were evidently eager to participate in the activity, which was facilitated by interns from Velez College. Despite their disabilities, the children actively participated in all the games. Even the parents had fun looking at their children enjoying the party!

When meal time came, parents and the interns helped the children eat. Everyone seemed contented with the food they ate. I was so glad with what I saw that I hoped this endeavor would continue for years so that many children would experience the joys of Christmas.

The children enjoyed the games and the food at mealtime. But they eyes lit up all the more the moment the gifts were brought into the room – boxes of different sizes filed with toys. Laughter echoed through the halls of the auditorium as each child received his or her gift. Their parents were very thankful for the warmth and compassion that they received from the people behind the event. My heart also went out to them, to their children. I then came to the conclusion that Christmas would be ultimate if we get involved in activities like this. May we all be reminded that the true meaning of Christmas is not the gifts we receive or the parties we attend. The real meaning of Christmas is also sharing our time and extending our hearts to special children who need our love.