Christmas and a break

I know I am a day late this week, but decided to do it this way, since this is a holiday weekend.
I am sure everyone has been busy with their Christmas chores!  I am done with shopping, finishing up a little wrapping today, and the real baking will be done next week.  We have the kids coming in next weekend, so I won't be making a lot just for us (we don't need it).

I have done a lot of reminiscing of the Christmas festivities of my childhood and of those who aren't with us any more.  I have such fond memories.  NO, I don't really remember gifts received, I remember events that I participated in.

I remember hunting for the 'perfect' Christmas tree at the tree lot with Mom and Daddy.  It was almost always snowing (I think Dad had a plan), and the tree was never really perfect.  Daddy would come home and with a saw and a drill, he would  move branches to make it 'perfect'!  It was always decorated with old timey ornaments like the picture above, big lights, and paper chains.  We would have hot chocolate on that night.

I remember the morning ritual of coming down the stairs (and not looking) at Santa's bounty - HAVING to eat breakfast, daddy having a cigarette -  and then getting to go open presents.  Oh, the anticipation!!

I remember helping Mom bake cookies and make candy.  What fun.

I remember having ALL the family scrunched into our home, which wasn't all that big.  People would be sitting up and down the stairs, and on the floor, and every where.  Lot's of laughter and fun.

I remember all the smells and sounds. 

I remember being so very happy - we didn't have a lot of money - but I was happy.
Santa always left lots of packages, but everything and I mean everything was wrapped separately.  Socks, undies, homemade clothes, homemade Barbie clothes, etc.

I remember that my stocking always had an orange in the toe, and there was nuts in the shell and lots of candy.

Oh the memories!  I so miss my Mom and Daddy, my sister and my brother.  I know they are with me in spirit and in memory - I am happy for that!

I love keeping the wonder and awe of childhood in my Christmas's today.  I still get a thrill seeing Santa, hearing/seeing an excited child, hearing Christmas music, watching holiday movies, and seeing all the pretty lights.  I hope I never lose that, and I hope you all keep that wonder in your hearts as well. 

My favorite times are sitting in a dark room with only Christmas lights on - thinking, meditating and praying.  Life is good and I am thankful.
Yes, we have all had our ups and downs - but we are here.  God has blessed us in so many ways.

I have no immediate wishes for gifts - don't need anything.  I pray that my family and friends (this includes you) have health and happiness.
I pray that those who are homeless find warmth and comfort.
I pray that those who are very needy, get a holiday surprise of love and kindness.
I pray no child goes without.
I pray for meanness, selfishness, greed and pain to go away.
I pray for you!


I will be answering comments - but I will not be posting again until Tuesday, Dec. 26th.  I will post Frugal Happening that day.  Just a little break to take time to enjoy the sights and sounds.

Friends, may you all have a wonderful Christmas. I hope you get to be with family and friends.  Take time to remember the past and those absent from your lives this year.
Take time to thank our Lord for the greatest gift ever given - Jesus Christ.


Merry Christmas!      'God bless us everyone'.