If someone was to ask you what your all-time favorite Christmas present was growing up, what would you say? Please pause, take a couple of deep breaths, and close your eyes for a moment and think back to when you were a kid and really think about what your favorite gift was.

As a kid growing up on a farm, I was obsessed with tractors. I loved riding along in the cab of the old John Deere with my grandpa. There was nothing in the world more exciting than sitting on his lap and steering the tractor through the field or pulling a load of grain to the elevator. It was pure bliss.

As a kid, I received a lot of Christmas and birthday presents, but I can only remember what several were. Because of my obsession with tractors, I remember asking for a green and yellow John Deere pedal tractor. All my friends had them, so whenever I spent time at their houses, I would ride theirs. I didn’t know back then, like I do now, that times were tough and money was tight. It was the mid-eighties and my family farmed.

I was five years old; I can remember like it was yesterday, coming down stairs and finding a big package completely wrapped in the Sunday comics. Back then, birthday and Christmas presents were wrapped in the comics because it was cheaper to use than wrapping paper. I knew by the size and shape of the package it was a riding tractor. As I ripped the paper off the package my excitement turned to disappointment when I realized that rather than receiving a John Deere like I wanted, I got a red, yellow, and blue plastic pedal tractor. My mom must’ve known by the look on my face that it wasn’t what I had wanted. She insisted I try it out and so I did! I rode that little tractor for a couple of years pretending to farm, until the tires wore out. I rode that cheap little tractor and had more fun doing so than any of my friends did with their more expensive green and yellow pedal tractors.

Looking back, I realize how ungrateful I was after unwrapping that gift. However, today I know how special and meaningful that tractor was. It is what my mom could afford. She knew I loved tractors and would have fun with it. I had more fun with that tractor than any other toy growing up.

I don remember much about that tractor except for the colors. I’ve long forgotten the details. It was discarded after I played with it until I wore it out and no longer could ride it. Even though that tractor is buried deep in the landfill, the memories of using it are very much alive.

What was your favorite gift? Most likely it wasn’t the most expensive gift you’ve ever received. Rather, it was something that gave you fond memories of using it or of the person who gave it to you.

I’m doing something untraditional this year. Along with a few gifts for my family, I’m including a short letter to each family member sharing a couple of my favorite memories of them growing up. Most of the memories are funny. Chances are, if you ask my mom and sisters a year from now, 10 years from now, what I got them for Christmas, they won’t remember. I’m betting though they’ll remember the memories I’m sharing with them. Either way, it’s the thought that counts.