• About Us
    • Our Blog Story
    • Contact Us
    • Our Contributors
    • Founding Editor

Inspired by Family

brave moms. strong families.

  • home
  • family
    • love & marriage
    • parenting
    • Meals
  • Faith
  • Fun
    • kids crafts
    • home crafts
    • home decor
    • Travel
  • Speaker
    • Speaking Info
  • Life Coach
  • Book
  • Shop

Uncategorized

Surprised by Joy!

Lately, I have been moved to tears by every little sentimental thing. I haven’t even been watching Hallmark movies.  This morning I read about the “Layaway Angels” who paid off people’s lay away accounts, it touched my heart.  It reminded me of my childhood Christmas when we were “surprised by joy”!

That particular winter, my dad had the worst of luck.  His hours were cut at his job, our car collapsed needing major repairs and to top it off my father chopped his finger off at work.

Christmas was drawing near and there wasn’t a single present under the tree. Even though we were young we knew the harsh reality: this Christmas there would be no gifts.  It was hard to not to want a doll when we knew God was already providing a miracle: a roof over our head and bread on the table.  In spite of our situation, we did what kids do best, we wished for the impossible.  In the previous years, we always got at least one little thing.  Christmas Eve arrived and reality set in NO gifts, not even one. Now that I am a parent, I can’t imagine how heart wrenching this was for my parents to not be able to give us a little something.

We had our little celebration and went to bed early, usually we stayed up until midnight and then opened up our gifts, but not this year. Shortly, after going down we hear the doorbell ring.  It was Santa! No joke!  Mexican Santa, was standing at our door bearing gifts for ME and my brothers!  He was tall, thin and with a tan but hey there was no judgement coming from us. My uncle had dressed up like Santa and brought each of us a little something. We didn’t care what it was, how big or how small it was, we were just excited to be holding a gift.  This is one of the many ways the Lord has provided for me in my 36 years of life! I am loved!

Do you have a “Surprised by Joy” Christmas Story whether you were the giver or on the receiving end?


« Every Party Needs Chocolate Crack
The Christmas Visitors from the South »
About Inspired by Familia Inspired by Familia on Facebook Pinterest Google Plus Twitter Image Map

Inspired by Familia

Most RECENT Products! Click on Images

Get your free printable now! Click on image below.

© Inspired by Family (also known as Inspired by Familia), 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from the owner of Inspired by Family is strictly prohibited. One picture with a link back may be used provided that full and clear credit is given to Inspired by Family and with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Copying a post partially, or fully, is strictly prohibited. Disclosure: Mari Hernandez-Tuten is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

To view click on a image below!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletters and be the first to receive all of our free printables!



Archives

Categories

More Great Posts on All Things Family!

10+ Christian Books & Bible Studies Written by Hispanics

The Parent Challenge: Do You Play With Your Kids? #30DaysofPlay

My ABC’s of Thankfulness Booklet

The Magical Phrase that Solved Our Santa Dilemma

© Mari Hernandez-Tuten, Founder and Editor of Inspired by Family Magazine 2012-present.As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts (no more then 2 sentences) with a link back to content may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Mari Hernandez-Tuten of Inspired by Family Magazine with appropriate and specific link to the original content.

MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected

Copyright © 2025 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2025 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in