My Best Christmases

Christmas always conjures up fond memories, in fact, I don’t think I have ever really had a BAD Christmas at all. When I think about some of my best Christmases I automatically think about many a Christmas Eve night spent in the home of my grandparents. My grandparents had 6 children, add 6 spouses and a ton of grandchildren and you get a house full. It was loud to say the least, and most of the time I am not sure anyone really knew what was going on, but we felt love. I remember always looking forward to a gift from Grandma, it meant socks, underwear and a little something picked out just for me. It may not have been the most expensive gift, but it was from her and that made it special.

One of my first Christmas memories that is as clear in my head as the day it happened, is the Christmas that Grandma got her grandfather clock. As I recall it is something that she had always wanted, but as a pastor’s wife couldn’t afford or simply didn’t buy due to practicality. On this particular Christmas my mom and all my aunts and uncles pooled their money and bought one for her. The funny thing is that she never noticed that as all of us were unwrapping our gifts, that there had been no gifts for her. Once all the presents were opened, Grandma was blindfolded, and the big reveal took place. At the time I wondered why she cried, but I now realize that her tears were of gratitude. Gratitude for children who loved their mother, and knowing her, gratitude to God for allowing her to have 6 children when the doctors told her she would have none.

I think my most fond Christmas memory is a somewhat bittersweet one. The Christmas after my pappa died was set to be a very hard one for all of us. I knew it would be especially hard on Grandma. After talking to Mamma, and Mamma talking to Grandma it was decided that Grandma would spend the night with us on Christmas Eve and partake in Christmas morning festivities with us. Thinking back I don’t remember anything I got that year except for a Jewish menorah, candles from the holy land and a book of Jewish festivals that Grandma had compiled over the years. It sounds strange, but I have always had a fascination with God’s chosen people, this was a fascination that Grandma shared. The menorah is still a part of my Holiday decor and sits in a place where it won’t go unnoticed. On that Christmas nothing spectacular happened, I just recall it being a time of sweet fellowship, and perhaps we all appreciated each other a little more knowing that life really is like a vapor. This was our last Christmas with Grandma, and I cherish this special time that I had with her.

I am now in a new phase of my life where Christmas has new meaning. Gifts are my love language, this much I know. So I especially look forward to picking out the perfect gifts for those I love. Having money and being able to buy things for my parents and family brings me so much joy. I realize now, what it was that Grandma felt when she lovingly put together all those Christmas gifts, each one tailored to its recipient. Christmas is my favorite and the memories surrounding this joyous time bring me comfort.