#CBCGreatestGift continues to receive heartwarming stories

Maritimers are known to be generous and charitable. So when we asked people to recall the greatest gift theyd ever given or received, we know wed hear some wonderful stories.

You didnt let us down.

Whats surprised us most is how many people wrote about gifts of time, love, thoughtfulness. Its striking to think how often we think of buying just the right gift, when youre proving again and again that greatest gifts cant be bought.

Stephanie Beatons email is a perfect example. For her twelfth birthday, her father wrote a letter expressing his gratitude for being part of her life. She writes, "he spoke of looking forward to all that the years to come had to bring and most importantly how much he loved me."

Sadly, Stephanies father passed away suddenly less than six months later. She continues, "I am certain no gift I have received has ever meant more to me than that letter."

Richard Blevins wrote in tribute to his "loving and dedicated mother," who raised four children on her own, while working full-time. "She always made sure we had a warm breakfast and a packed lunch for school. She also cooked supper after getting home from work and helped us with our homework," said Richard."Her love for all of us must have given her the drive and energy to keep us all together and safe."

'Those are the best Christmas moments'

Doug Ross wrote from Chester, N.S., with his story of holiday magic.

On a recent Christmas Eve, he and his wife were driving with their young grandson when Santa emerged from a front door. Doug stopped and rolled down the window.

He writes, "From the way he was moving, I suspect Santa had enjoyed some Christmas cheer, but this fellow didnt miss a beat:'Whats a little boy like you doing up on Christmas Eve? Dont you know Im on my way to your house, and youd better be asleep when I get there!'"

It was the perfect end to the evening, said Doug. "With Merry Christmas wishes ringing in the air, we were off home to bed. I think those are the best Christmas moments, when the magic makes memories."

We think so, too.

Our final word today goes to Robin Kelly, who wrote with his own magical memory:

"When I was eight my Mom bought me a set of goalie pads, a goalie stick, and a Boston Bruins #4 jersey with pants and socks. I don't know how she got the money. Living in outport Newfoundland was tough ... but I remember putting it all on Christmas morning and heading out to a small piece of ice next to our house. I was the only one there and I got a shutout."

Please keep the stories coming.

You can email cbcns@cbc.ca, or tweet us using #CBCGreatestGift. We'll keep putting them together to share with everyone else.

And remember to tune in to CBC TV for The Greatest Gift, a special program we're preparing for the holidays. It will run at 11 p.m. Dec. 24 and again at 6 p.m. Dec. 26.