Christmas Memories
I remember when the Christmas season officially began with the Thanksgiving parade with Santa Claus appearing at the end. Then Black Friday was the official start of the season. But even before Black Friday, some big retailers were putting out merchandise before Halloween.
Having said all that I still have memories of Christmas as a big deal with Christmas pageants at school. I played the trumpet, and my brothers and sisters played instruments as well: my brothers played the guitar, the trumpet and the trombone, while my sisters played the French horn, clarinet and flute. We all had to practice a half an hour a day, which taught us self-discipline and allowed us to play in the band. We also played Christmas songs with my mother at the piano.
When we were younger, we also visited Santa at the mall where my brother got me into trouble. Around Christmas my brother always snooped around looking for hidden presents. With seven children and a small ranch house, my dad found it difficult to hide presents, and my brother found a hockey set in the closet. Now we didn’t ask for one at all, but when we visited Santa, I blurted out, “I want a hockey set.” My dad knew we found it, but he didn’t get too upset - luckily.
I also remember getting a hamster one year. I was afraid of it and was not disappointed when it died. Unfortunately, I didn’t tell my parents of my dislike of the rodent, and I got another one the next Christmas! I accidently let it catch a draft by the window. Luckily, I didn’t get another one!
I also knew that Christmas could be expensive for my parents. One year, in June, we broke a tent we got for Christmas and my father hollered we’re still paying for that!
I also remember growing up Catholic with the manger scene with Jesus; Mary, Joseph and all the nativity characters and animals. It wasn’t until last year that I learned that St. Francis originated the manger idea, and that he used live animals and real people. That must have been something.
Sears and J. C. Penney’s catalogs were big back then. We used to take turns looking at all the toys and marking down which ones we wanted. We never got any of the toys, but it was sure fun perusing them every year. My parents were patient and took it as all a part of the season.
Christmas time also meant coming home from college. Every year I’d reconnect with my family and celebrate the end of another semester. I remember being so angry with my father when I had to transfer to Western Illinois University in Illinois because it was cheaper than St. John Fishrer College in Rochester, NY. I was wrong. I earned two degrees from Western and met my wife, Donna of 43 years.
However, I also remember a few Christmas seasons I spent in institutions. One year, in Peoria, The Salvation Army brought oranges, hand cream and tiny Bibles. But I also remember my brother Bernie getting me a day pass so I could go to Champaign for the day. But fortunately, those days are long gone. When Donna and I got married things drastically improved and I wasn’t alone any more.
For me, Christmas is quite different now. We visit relatives during the season and 0Donna decorates the house, and she hopes for snow again.
We also practice the Christmas songs we have written over the years and that keeps everything festive. I’d like to finish with a song we wrote called “Christmas Prayer.” Have a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year!”
Christmas Prayer
Chorus: Lord, we celebrate your birth,
Still everywhere today.
Miracles of love and grace,
Turn round the world we pray.
Give us true compassion,
Teach us of your ways.
Teach us love and sympathy,
With hope and burning faith.
Lord, it’s Christmas time again,
The sun begins to rise.
Snowflakes and a freezing wind,
Fill the world outside.
I think of where you are today,
And what your love can do.
I think of angels in the sky;
I think of heaven too.
Lord, it’s Christmas time again,
Your picture’s on the news.
The greatest story ever told,
Turn my thoughts to you.
The poor take hope,
The sick believe,
Lost sheep find a friend.
Children of a fallen world,
Rejoice and sing again.
Chorus
Lord, it’s Christmas time again,
I think I’ll take a walk.
I need to be alone with you,
So we can have a talk.
I feel the pain of separateness,
A longing deep inside.
Come to me again, my Lord,
I need you by my side.
(Please remember these are my own ideas, and I’m not attempting to persuade anyone to change theirs.)
Quotes: “Christmas is the season of joy, of gift-giving, and of families united.” Norman Vincent Peale
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11
“We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup.” Buddy, Elf
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