General News
14 December, 2024
Christmas surprise for Millie
They say Christmas is the season for giving, but one Dimboola family has been overwhelmed by the kindness of a stranger.
Pru Cook colllected her daughter, Millie Guthrie-Cook, 4, from kinder last Monday so the pair could complete some errands.
Before heading home they popped into 2Js for a quick browse and chat, and as they were leaving Millie spotted a gift placed on the bench outside.
"Being Christmas-obsessed, she was immediately drawn to it and asked what it was and what the message said," Ms Cook said.
It read: "Hello, I'm not lost. If you found me, I'm now yours. Merry Christmas."
Ms Cook said Millie was so excited she wanted to share it with everyone they passed on the way home.
"Millie insisted on waiting to open the gift until we got home, where she could place it under our Christmas tree," Ms Cook said.
"Once there, she acted out her own little Christmas morning, pretending to go to sleep and then waking up to unwrap the surprise."
Ms Cook said inside was a beautiful glass hummingbird ornament with a message:
"Did you know that the hummingbird symbolises joy, freedom, perseverance, creativity, love, and healing? It encourages us to live in the moment, to be open to change, and to pursue our dreams! I hope this Christmas period is full of love and joy for you! Merry Christmas."
"Millie was absolutely thrilled and declared herself the luckiest kid in Dimboola," Ms Cook said.
"The hummingbird now has pride of place on our Christmas tree."
Ms Cook said that for her as Millie's mum, the experience had been incredibly heartwarming.
"It gave Millie a beautiful example of the true Christmas spirit: an act of kindness from a stranger, leaving a gift without expecting anything in return," she said.
"It’s a gesture we’ve been talking about ever since as it captures the magic of generosity and thoughtfulness during the festive season."
And if the gift-giver is reading this story, Millie has a message for them: “Thank you. I really like it. I hope you have a good Christmas and get lots of presents”.