I was at CVS yesterday, just picking up a few household necessities. I really wasn't in the mood to shop until I walked by Christmas aisle…fun colors and beautiful wrappings are my downfall. Up and down the aisles I walked "window-shopping" for stocking stuffers for my family when I nearly tripped over a toy bear. Instinctively, I pick it up, gave it a hug and said, "What's wrong Corduroy? Did you fall off the shelf?" Corduroy, I thought, why on earth did I call the little fellow Corduroy? Then I remembered…

One of my favorite books as a kid was called Corduroy. Maybe some of you have read it but for those who have not, bear with me. Corduroy was a slightly worn toy that lived on the shelves of a department store. He waited patiently day after day for someone to buy him and give him a home. One afternoon, he thought the day he had been waiting for had arrived…Lisa spotted him. But because he seemed to be a little shelf worn (his overalls were missing a button), Lisa's mother said that maybe Lisa should save her money for a "better" toy. That evening, Corduroy hopped off the shelf and began his adventures…searching the department store for his lost button. With his button he knew that he would be perfect and a little boy or girl would buy him and love him. Unfortunately, he was unable to locate the button but this did not really matter after all. You see, bright and early the next morning Lisa returned with her mother to take Corduroy home.

This is such a simple but tender story about a teddy bear that sees himself as little less than perfect and a little girl that thinks Corduroy is perfect just the way he is…missing button and all. It is a book that contains a message that your kids will always remember; there is something special in everything and everybody.

When you are out searching for stocking stuffers this holiday season, I hope you too will run across your own Corduroy….and give him a hug for me!