PRESENTS UNDER THE TREE

December 20, 2025

Jason Bonnicksen

PRESENTS UNDER THE TREE

365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 20

Dad! Mom! Get up! You gotta come see what Santa brought. It’s just what I wanted dad. I… I… How did Santa know it’s all I ever wanted?

I was the first one up on that Christmas morn of 1975. And there, under the tree, was the one toy every boy wanted: the Matel Flying Aces Attack Carrier, equipped with a working catapult and two foam WW2 airplanes.

I played with that toy for hours and days on end. After 50 years, it’s still my favorite present under tree. That gift was made for the little kid inside. If I could find one today, I’d probably play with it just the same.

I think deep down, in every adult, is a little kid longing to open that one special gift again. We try as grownups to replicate that feeling, spending dollar after dollar, hoping to help our loved ones feel treasured again.

And that’s really that point, isn’t it, of wrapping presents and putting them under the tree. The longing of the human soul is to feel special and treasured; to feel as though you’re a one-of-a-kind child of the Most-High God.

I think I’ve always tried to help my wife and kids feel special, like I did that on the Christmas morn in 1975. I’ve always tried to get them that one gift that says, “I love you; I treasure you, because you hold a special place in my heart.” 

Four more days until I’ll know if she feels as treasured as I hope she does. Danielle may not again feel like that little five-year-old girl in 1975; but I hope I make her feel treasured, because on this earth, she’s the beloved of my heart.

I thank God for those He’s place in my life. They are like presents under the tree, gifts I’ll treasure every day of my life. In all these years, the one thing I’ve learned is the truest gift we can give someone is our love. That’s what God has done for us, by giving us His son.  May you feel treasured by Him this Christmastime, for you are a child of the Most-High God.

Share This :

• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
•