Most enjoyable time
Christmas brings memories of over 80 years.
I was brought up in a large city and remember how the department stores would decorate their front windows with scenes from Christmas. They fascinated all the children that saw them, and when you went into the store, the toy department and Santa brought even more excitement.
School celebrations took place right before Christmas with music and students participating in recitation and singing. The fun we had at Christmas was the most enjoyable time of the year for all of us with our friends at school.
Christmas was a time for worship for our family. Christmas Eve was especially memorable as we walked through the crunching snow and saw our breath as we trudged along. Our church had a special tradition of handing out a small box of candy to the younger members of the church. The service itself was memorable as we sang the carols and celebrated Christ’s birth.
Our family did not put up a Christmas tree until just before Christmas Eve. Part of the tradition was to take the family out to select a tree from tree lots, which were plentiful. My father always looked for the least expensive tree, which also had to be a “full” tree. When decorated, the eight-foot tree was breathtaking and ornaments of new and old variety were placed on the tree. The tree had standard light sets and “bubbling” lights.
Most of the time, presents were opened on Christmas Eve, after church. My mother and father always provided presents that were both useful and fun. The gifts we received were used and played with year-round and, as I look back, I realize that many of the gifts taught us to use our hands and minds.
Christmas Day was celebrated with family, as uncles, aunts and cousins came together at my grandfather’s house. Traditional American dishes and some ethnic dishes were on the table for all to enjoy.
Perhaps the best thing about Christmas is the feeling one gets during this time of the year. From our family to yours, our wishes for the best Christmas ever and a prosperous, peaceful and happy New Year!
GEORGE WILKEN Little Rock