pah-rum-pum-pum-pum

Come they told me

pah rum pum pum pum

A new born King to see

pah rum pum pum pum

Our finest gifts we bring

pah rum pum pum pum...

rum pum pum pum

rum pum pum pum, brrmmm brrmmm brrmmm...

It's a touching song, a long-time favorite of mine. The message is simple. A little boy sees everyone reacting to the birth of a "king." He witnesses that "they," the others, bring wondrous gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold and such. He has nothing of monetary value to offer, but he has the seemingly preternatural maturity to be able to discern that his drum-playing is pretty doggone good given his age. (Although I find nothing unusual about this as I feel most kids under the age of puberty have this wisdom and ability.)

The point being the little drummer boy does the best he can, which is drumming, and is satisfied that this is as just as good as any old tangible gift. And who, including a baby king, wouldn't be wowed by a choice drum riff? Like the one in the Surfari's "Wipeout?" Or the one in "Ina Gada Da Vida?"

Me, myself, being a plain old, average, middle-income American, who oft-times wishes she were a billionaire who could bestow grandiose gifts upon her children and grandchildren, also recognizes that sometimes it's my "unique talents" that are most welcome.

I'm pretty good at baking cookies. I've also been gifted, later in my years, with an unusual patience with, and affinity toward, infants and young children. These abilities make me a pretty doggone good grandparent. Not that being a good grandparent is an unusual gift, because by nature grandparents and grandchildren are an almost perfect fit and thus there is a plethora of good grandparents around.

Some of us have done well financially and will have tons of money to share with loved ones and some of us have only our talents to offer. I will purchase tactile gifts, because I "have the means", but sometimes my most appreciated gifts are gifts of my time and talents. Whatever gifts you have this season, do your best. And be generous and cheerful in your giving.