A Tressy is not a Barbie

By Peggy Weber

One Christmas when I was about 9 or 10, I looked at my presents under the tree with great anticipation. I think I was just becoming aware of how my parents helped Santa. And I also was probably more influenced by toy ads.

That year I told my parents I would like a Barbie doll. As I tore the paper off the box I was excited. It looked like a doll-size box. It was light like a Barbie-doll size box. It felt like I was getting a Barbie.

When I looked at it I realized that I had been given a Tressy. It was a doll where you pushed a button in her back and her hair grew. She was nice but not Barbie.

I also was given Tressy's hair salon. I am sure my parents were very excited to present me with such lovely presents.

Fortunately, through the grace of God, I smiled and showed enthusiasm for my Tressy doll.

 I do not know what prompted my wonderful parents to select Tressy and her salon. Perhaps the store was out of Barbies. Maybe they did not think that there was much difference between the two. Maybe there was a special deal on the salon. Maybe Tressy was cheaper.

I do not know because I never asked. Somehow I, who has been known to just blurt things out, was able to keep my questions to myself. That in itself was a Christmas miracle. 

In fact, I never asked my folks about it -- even as an adult.

My love for them was far greater than my desire for a Barbie or the reason I did not get a Barbie. I never wanted to hurt them and make them think they had disappointed me. 

Also, I never asked for a Barbie doll  again because I did not want my parents to think that Tressy was not enough. 

It's funny, what I remember the most from the whole Tressy v. Barbie Christmas is not regret or disappointment.

Sure, for a moment I might have wished for Barbie. But mostly I was so grateful to my folks for making the effort to get this doll and her salon. I can see them shopping and picking out this present. 

My parents were kind and generous people. That is the greates gift they gave me.

So think about the Tressy doll as we do our shopping and place hope and expectations on our gift giving and receiving.

Maybe this year, no matter what the gift, try to  be grateful that the giver took the time and resources to show that he or she cared.

And maybe this year, try to give with love and not worry about what is hot or in style.

And most of all, thank God for the gift of Jesus -- whos is way better than a Barbie!