Christmas for Me
Dec 18th, 2008 by Larry
It was a much simpler time in the 1950s and a time of many cherished moments. A time of youth, a time of friendship, and a time for close family ties long passed. I would love to travel back to that era if just for a brief visit; to savor moments a little longer.
In my memory, Christmas started for me with our annual trek to find the perfect Christmas tree. My father and I would make our way to a few favored tree lots to find that special tree. Pennsylvania in mid to late December can be pretty cold and I can still see and remember the smell of wood burning in old cut out oil drums as we searched the dimly lit tree lots. What fun it was. It wasn’t until much later in life and after looking at old photos of that time that I realized the trees were not that great. Even knowing this now doesn’t diminish or detract from the good memories I will always cherish of being with my father on these cold nights.
The next part of Christmas that I can remember was the long wait for the big day to come. However, the one thing that I remember most about Christmas day was when we all gathered for our Christmas meal. My uncle and his wife would spend most of the day with us. We played games, talked, ate, and played, talked, and ate some more. Some 50 years later this is what I remember most.
My wife asks me the other day, “What was your favorite gift?” and I could not find an answer. Now that I’ve given it more thought family and friends are what I think of the most. The gifts I received are long gone and forgotten; it’s the people I still remember.
So whatever your circumstances, rich or poor, believer or non-believer, savor the times with your family and friends. Those moments are irreplaceable. Fifty years from now your memoirs will be of the people for they are the gifts.
Merry Christmas,
Larry
