Remembering Christmas past

I remember my Mom and I baking buckets of a variety of cookies only to see them locked up so I couldn’t sneak any while she was at work. I was a little stinker..

I remember silver tinsel that was a pain in the behind to be put on the tree and to take off. I was so happy when my Mom finally decided to “upgrade” and get rid of it.

I remember real candles in the clip on candle holders on the tree, then came the big huge colored bulbs.

I remember looking for the right tree during the day, marking it, and returning at night to cut it and dragging it home. Funny, during day light the tree looked really good, but when we got it home it was either too tall or crooked or missed branches.

Christmas church service on Christmas eve. Playing Maria every year. It may have been the role to get, but it never had many lines.

Getting tipsy with Gluehwein, while shopping for the items on the grocery list. Mind you I was a minor and kept telling the Lady it was for my Mom. My Mom found out and was not a happy camper.

Advent calendars. Opening all the windows and eating the chocolate and closing the windows again, so it wasn’t noticed that the chocolate was gone.

Making ornaments in school, to be hung on the tree. And getting to pick that special spot for it.

Getting the yearly underwear, undershirt and socks present. I must have wished for that every year, just didn’t know it.

Getting candies, cookies and little presents from neighbors.

Listening to my Mom sing or hum to Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley and the Berlin Choir boys, while she was wrapping presents.

Watching ” A Christmas Carol” every year. Still a tradition here at my home.

Family visits with my aunt and uncle and cousins.  Wonderful feasts and treats to keep you filled for days.

These are just a few memories of mine. And this Christmas I hope you remember some of yours and make some new ones. Merry Christmas everyone !

Make a miracle happen

For a couple of weeks now I was contemplating on treating myself with something for Christmas. I was looking at a new TV for my bedroom or at a new cell phone for myself, and going back and forth between the two.

But since I couldn’t make up my mind, I figured well I guess I don’t need either one of them. If I wanted one or the other bad enough I would have purchased that item by now.  And I guess the guild factor came along too. Why buy something that I really don’t need. The phone I have is working just fine and there is really no need for an additional TV in the house, if I fall asleep at the beginning credits anyway.

So I decided, since there are so many families out there again, that can’t afford to buy gifts yet alone food I will take some of the money and buy a few items and donate them to a local charity that will make sure the items will go to a good family.

I guess what I am trying to say is, if you are out shopping, be it for groceries or for presents, maybe you can spare a few dollars to buy a toy or food or even a few clothing items and donate them. I may not have a lot myself, but I am sure that I have a whole lot more then some of the unfortunate families out there.  And I will know that I can make someone Christmas a little more brighter and I will enjoy that feeling a whole lot more then buying myself some unneeded gadget.