Christmas often resurrects memories of childhood and Christmas past. Do you remember a favorite Christmas gift? Today, Cynthia Baughan Wheaton shares about her favorite Christmas present. I asked her to share because she also has a book that will interest many of you in this time of economic change. Now here’s Cynthia.

My Favorite Christmas Gift

For years – actually, decades – I considered one Christmas present to be my obvious favorite. When I was eight, Santa left me a Deluxe Reading Dream Kitchen, a long name for what I have simply called my Barbie kitchen. Incredibly, the fashion-doll-scale plastic kitchen had a working sink and dishwasher, light-up burners, a turning rotisserie in the oven, table settings and detailed food. An incredible set with 176 pieces! No wonder I was speechless as I took it all in. I was almost afraid to touch anything because it was so wonderful.

Years later, I appreciated my doll kitchen even more when I discovered that my hard-working father had been up until 3 am on Christmas Day, helping Santa. He had to put all of the tiny pieces together with his large, working-man’s hands. Perhaps my full appreciation came even later. My husband and I were up until 3 am helping Santa by putting together a dollhouse without instructions. To call the process frustrating is an understatement. In both cases, it was a labor of love.

Today, the doll kitchen holds a special place in my memory and in my heart. In fact, it remains in the same old metal suitcase with leather straps it has been in since the 1960’s. I have only recently decided it’s time to part with it.

Surprising to me, I have started letting go of items from my past because I have memories and photos to remind me. More importantly, I am focusing on more lasting gifts.

My father gave me the gift of a willingness to try new things. As I share in my book, Are You Ready to Start Your Own Business?:

My father, an entrepreneur, would examine a problem and say to himself, “I can do that.”  Then, he did so – even if it required study, time or struggle. He would observe me facing a challenge and say, “You can do that.”  And I did.

My father’s attitude – along with a viable business idea – is the basis of entrepreneurship. If we can imagine a business that is needed, and are willing to work as long and hard as necessary to make it happen, we can be self-employed.

Daddy’s tenacity in constructing the doll kitchen, his success in building a business, his commitment to his church, and his love for his family, were proof of his positive attitude and deep faith. Throughout his life, he forged ahead despite many tragedies and obstacles.

Thanks to my father’s inspiration, my own love of business drove me to earn an MBA when few women sought one. I have helped a number of companies and individuals start new entities over the course of my business career.

Now semi-retired, I have taught, mentored and judged entrepreneurship students at Meredith College, one of two colleges where my first book is used as a textbook. A second book, Make Your Home Office Work, will be released in early 2021. You could say I inherited my father’s passion for business – and entrepreneurship.  I’ve accomplished these milestones because I believed I could do so.

My father was also a man of service. He managed the building of my home church’s first facility, doing much of the hands-on work himself. Fittingly for a humble man, on the day of his fatal heart attack he replaced the broken coat hooks in the children’s classrooms of the much-bigger church campus.

My father, and my mother…they were the best gifts. My life is deeper and richer, thanks to the standard of faith, work, service, and love they gave me.

I am wishing you many good gifts this Christmas – and beyond.

Cynthia Baughan Wheaton

Cynthia Baughan Wheaton has life-long ties to entrepreneurship and has been educated by new business successes as well as failures. Cynthia’s website, www.TheEntrepreneursFriend.com, offers encouragement, practical advice and spiritual insight in hundreds of articles for self-employed people.

Are You Ready to Start Your Own Business? A Sanity Check for Those who Dream of Self-Employment makes a great stocking stuffer and is available on Amazon.com. You can also find her on Facebook at Cynthia Wheaton, Author and Entrepreneur or on Instagram at @theentrepreneursfriend4growth.

Before you go… a couple of Christmas songs for you:

• “He Shall Reign Forevermore” by Matt Maher
• “Little Drummer Boy” by for KING & COUNTRY.

Do you remember a favorite gift? How have your thoughts on gifts changed? Click here to comment.

Merry Christmas to all!

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