The Value of Giving Above Receiving in A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote

What would you feel like if you were poor with little money? Would you feel sad, angry, or even overwhelmed? Buddy's cousin--an elderly woman of 60-years--knows how it feels. She feels content, happy, and is thankful that she has a friend that cares enough to listen. The elderly woman, in "A Christmas Memory," by Truman Capote, teaches the reader that giving is more important than receiving. In developing the character of Buddy's elderly cousin, Capote creates a character who teaches the reader about life's most important asset-friendship.

Looks, money, and education cannot buy life's most precious gift.

Children see more with their hearts than with their eyes, which makes them more accepting to others. To Buddy, the elderly woman's appearance, and actions are not very important to him. He looks on to her as a role model, and as a best friend. This elderly woman has short white hair, wears tennis shoes, and a shapeless gray sweater over a sundress. This old lady doesn't have very much money, but she is able to get by without it.

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This shows the readers a life lesson that people don't need money to get through life all they need is friends, family, or just someone who cares.

Buddy--the elderly woman's very long distant cousin--is not only a relative to the old lady, but is a friend. A best friend. Buddy's name isn't really Buddy. She calls him Buddy because when she was young she lost a friend named Buddy, and so, she chooses to call him this.

She is very childlike and has a very odd way of speaking. Although it may sound as if she is speaking some sort of gibberish, she is actually speaking in a less evolved way then we do today.

Throughout the story this elderly woman changes. In the beginning she is friends with Buddy. They enjoy making fruit cakes just before Christmas and once they are done they send them to assumed friends or even family members. They usually get at least one thank you card or post card in return for the cake. Later, in the story, she remembers that this Christmas will be the last together for both her and Buddy. They celebrate by finding, cutting, and take home the most beautiful tree they can find. After the tree is in the house, they decorate it from head to toe. They also hang wreaths above every window. As Buddy, his cousin, and their other relatives enjoy their Christmas feast as they share their presents with everyone. Buddy had made a kite for the elderly woman, as well did the woman for him. In the ending of the story Queenie, their dog, dies from being kicked by a horse. The elderly woman buries Queenie and sends a letter to Buddy with her sorrows. When Buddy comes back, the elderly woman had passed away and he had been very regretful that he would never see her again.

The elderly woman is sweet and kind. She cares more about other people's happiness than she does herself. She enjoyed her life the way it was and how it had ended. She was very religious, and had a free mind and spirit. In the end, she survived the best she could, both with and without Buddy. She was always happy and content throughout her entire life, as was Buddy.

Being poor is not a bad thing. This elderly woman is an example for people who don't enjoy their live because of what they do--or don't--have. Throughout the elderly woman's life, she is happy. She does not dislike her life or the way she lives just because she is poor; she believes that the eves that the most beautiful things in life cannot be paid for with money. Being friendly, nice and caring are only a few of the things that make a person a true friend, a good neighbor, or even a friendly stranger. Why do so many people dislike their life because of what they do--or don't-- have? Why do they not see that all the details are not important in life? Why?...