abby...

As we were sitting together eating dinner tonight, Abby told us about the last day of school before Christmas. I made sure that the older two girls had little inexpensive gifts for all of their friends. I didn't think to see if Abby wanted to take anything to school for some of her classmates. I didn't think it was a big deal for 5th graders. She told us that lots of kids were handing out presents to all of thier frineds. Some of the kids had lots on their desks and some of them had a little bit on thier desks.

Then she tells us that she had nothing.

My heart dropped..I felt terrible.

Her friend that she hangs out with the most hadn't brought anything either. Neither did the other boy that they sometimes play with. All three of them had nothing. The girls that we drive in carpool didn't exchange anything with each other..but they still received a few things with one of the girls bringing a few things for some of her friends in the class. Their teacher had to get up and say to the class that if you bring presents, you need to bring enough for everybody.

Later in the evening, I asked Abby about it again. True to her carefree nature, she told me that it really wasn't a big deal. I'm so glad she didn't dwell on it and make it a big deal for herself; but I feel awful knowing that I didn't spend enough time with her to plan some gifts for her class. Even candy canes for everyone would have been better than nothing.

Live and learn...next year I need to plan ahead...