Hello, fiends. Yesterday morning was crazy, so I didn’t get to talk to you. Did you miss me?
As Christmas Eve approaches, I am often overtaken by powerful memories of childhood, home, and especially, my parents (both passed away in the mid-90s).
I clearly remember Mother telling Mavis and me to go to sleep quickly, because Santa wouldn’t stop at our house if he knew we were awake. So at bedtime, I’d pull up the blankets reeeeally close to my neck and shut my eyes reeeeally tight. And one year, I knew — I just knew — that I heard sleigh bells in the distance. I was terrified that Santa would come to our house and find me awake, and that he’d be disappointed.
Like there were rules. Haha.
What I know to be true now is that we were probably driving Mother crazy with our questions and excitement (we were never “wild” or “unruly” as children; it simply was not allowed, and we’d never dream of risking the consequences), and she wanted to make sure that when it was bedtime, we got down to business.
Still, the memory of those nights is strong and treasured and fond. I think the years of 1965-69 were among the happiest in my life, and I keep the Christmas memories of those times close to my heart. Even the ones that didn’t start out so happy. 
So, if you’re around today, give us a fond Christmas memory, because Christmas, to me, is as much a time for reminiscing as for celebration.
Garsh. Like you my mind is full of many, many Christmas memories; during my childhood on Cherry Street, growing up and celebrating Christmas as a teenager and later as a young adult with divorced parents and enjoying 2 Christmas celebrations, California desert Christmases, and now my really-grown-up Dutch Christmases.
Probably one of my most favorite memories are of Christmas morning. After a wonderful and mysterious Christmas Eve service (in the dark with candles and twinkly lights) we’d head off to bed and like you, would hope for sleep to come so Christmas morning and Santa would arrive quickly.
Christmas morning would begin with Dad putting on Christmas Music really loud to wake us up. We’d all gather in the dining room where the only lights on were on the Christmas Tree. We would wonder at the fact that the cookies and milk we had left our for Santa were gone as well as the carrots for the reindeer. We’d also try real hard not to look into the living room for the presents that were under the tree; it was as if we looked too hard they’d disappear. First we had to use the bathroom and as soon as everyone was done (took awhile with 6 people!!) we’d gather in the living room, kids on the floor and Mom and Dad in their favorite chairs. First we looked in our stockings and there was always an orange in the bottom, a lottery ticket, and fun stuff. As an adult I realize now that we did this while Mom and Dad were busy making and drinking coffee to nurse their hangover from too much Christmas Cheer the night before while getting presents ready.
And then *BAM* pass out the presents and let the paper and ribbon fly!!! My mom was great at finding gifts that we would love and we were spoiled at Christmas and birthdays.
Then the turkey would go into the oven and the rest of the day was spent enjoying our gifts and wonderful food.
Since both of my parents were teachers the whole family was together for the holidays and I realized later in life just how lucky I was. There were trips to the store and sledding and ice skating and fun crafts around the dining room table. All the while there was Christmas music playing and being sung.
Ahh yes, wonderful memories. We are very, very lucky to have them Jax. Even if there was a bit of drama for you and being lost for a bit at the store. Thank goodness for Santa!
Oh that reminds me. Once we went to a large department store to visit Santa and years later we found out it was Grandpa Wolf.
XOXOXOXO <3
What a great story, Suz! Awesome memories, friend. And how cool that your parents were musicians, and that music was such a huge part of the celebration.
But the best sentence was the last one. HAAA
Hugs to you from across the sea! XO
While I was writing this I couldn’t for the life of me remember the piece that Dad always played first. It’s A Christmas Festival. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YMHSqC63is
Hugs to you there in Oh-hi-yuh!
This is the original that Dad played http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRtHdFctdvQ
Of course! Leroy Anderson of “Sleigh Ride” fame. Awesome!
We didn’t believe in Santa Claus growing up. My mom was 13 when she found out there was no Santa and felt so deceived by her parents that she didn’t want that for us. So yes, we were the kids who ruined it for other kids at school. My parents did make Christmases so special for us. I am one of five children and like many families, my father was the only one that worked outside the home. My parents often made many of our Christmas gifts and as I’m older, looking back, I realize the love and time they put into those gifts. One Christmas really stands out for me. My little brother and I got into bed that Christmas Eve in our new pajamas that we traditionally opened on Christmas Eve and turned on the radio. They were playing all the Christmas cartoon audios that night like Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. (I don’t know how to italicize on this blog). We finally fell asleep listening to those childhood favorites. When we woke up that next morning, we came down the stairs, after having to wait for my dad to shower and shave, (he loved to make us suffer!). I had asked for a doll and there she was, in a cradle made by my dad and was dressed in a nightgown that matched the one I was wearing, both made by my mom. My mom had made us both stuffed animals and my dad made my brother a barn for a toy box. There were many other things under the tree, but we both remember and still treasure those gifts. I still have my cradle that I intend to pass onto a granddaughter someday, fingers crossed! Our Christmases were always very special and I always feel nostalgic each year when thinking of them. Thanks for allowing me to share one!
Beautiful story, Patti! I think homemade gifts have a special significance. And it’s also great that not doing the whole Santa Claus thing didn’t spoil your holidays one bit. (Sometimes I wonder why my parents encouraged it, since they were such strict Baptists and really rejected the whole commercialization of Christmas…)
And you will have grandchildren someday, and you will be the happiest lady on earth, I guarantee it!
Thanks for sharing this story — I love Christmas memories.
(Oh, and PS — <em> and </em> around your text will italicize it. Replace the “em” with “strong” and you’ll get bold text. Yay!)