We had cocktails with friends and colleagues the other evening while decorating the office for Christmas in preparation for the Fund Raiser for the Guardian Ad Litem Foster Child Program. We all shared some Holiday Memories and spoke about what this time of the year means to each of us. Some folks shared memories of special gifts received and given, a pair of GOGO Boots, a Hess Truck, a Special Rolling Stones Record Album, and some remembered family, food, and experiences. I thought it would be fun to share a few with you.
One of the men in the group had a Grand Pa who would come over on Christmas Eve with a pocket full of silver dimes, of course this goes back to when the US minted coins with silver. He would ask each grandson to jump on the scale and would give each a silver dime for every pound they weighed – up to 100 pounds. He further went on to say, that prior to jumping on the scale he and his two brothers would consume as many Christmas Cookies and as much Hot Chocolate as they could hold to maximize their gift. Sweet Memory of a simple time.
Another of our friends, whose family did not celebrate Christmas, wanted Santa to come down her Chimney. She remembers asking her mom, If I write to Santa do you think he would visit me? Her mom said, if you never ask, you may never know. Sure enough, Christmas Morning, Santa had found his way down her chimney and left a gift for her on the fireplace mantel. A warm memory to be cherished.
Another friend remembers the Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes shared with Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Friends, and Neighbors from the block. As she remembers, all were welcome, and it was never a chore to add an extra plate, or two, to the table. The evening was not fancy, but rather fun, joyous, tasty, loud, the fish was fried and delicious, and the meal was always meatless. A meal, all looked forward to every year. As the cousins aged, the circle grew, and the Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes came to include more than just fish. She remembers the last time they all shared a Christmas Eve Meal. There was the traditional fish, but in addition the table included a baked ham, macaroni and cheese, rice, and fruit perogies for dessert. All delicious and Sweet Memories.
Another remembers the Cookie Christmas Tree his Great Grandmother “GG” used to make. He remembers she lived in a small house on the rail road tracks and although outside was cold in December, her house was always warm and scented with the sweet aroma of cinnamon. There were 16 grandchildren and GG would hang her homemade cookies from the tree in the dining room. Each of the grandchildren had their favorite cookie and when you kissed Grandma Goodbye she would hand you a tin baked especially for you filled with your favorite cookie. Truly a gift made and shared with love.
Whatever you Celebrate, Lee and I hope you celebrate with a full, happy heart, and truly enjoy the goodness of the great life we share. We wish you Joy, Good Health, and Most of All a Wonderful, Fulfilling Life.