We were not rich people by any means; but Mom and Dad always tried to make Christmas special for us. I can remember all the Christmas baking mom used to do and we always helped.
Have you ever tried pulling taffy - by hand?
Some of the presents that I can remember were cross country skis and a necklace watch. Of course, there was always the big Christmas meals down the road at Grandpa and Grandma Fitzpatrick's with the "very, very special" Irish plum pudding (which there are NO plums in it, lol)
One other thing I remember is Dad would always get Mom a Christmas gift to surprise her even when they had very little money. He did that up to the year before he passed away. Usually it was jewelry.
When they say Christmas is for children - it is in a way. I'm saying, Christmas is for family's. I have fond memories of Christmas as a child growing up but also wonderful memories raising our children. Memories with our children would include trying to get that certain gift they wanted; taking them to Santa for a bag of goodies at the Fire Hall; school Christmas programs; Sunday School programs ; for a country sleigh ride; to a special movie; building snow igloos; snow ball fights; hitching the dogs up to the toboggan; and Christmas sugar cookie decorating to just name a few.
Now that they each have their own children; they are forming unique family memories . At this time of year I long for my parents and I long for my children. I wish, well you know what I wish. By the way, it's snowing outside, Merry Christmas.
Betty, your words are nostalgic and emotional. I feel the memories with you. I, too, wish mom and dad were still here as well as Grandma and Grandpa Fitzpatrick. I would love to sit down with them and take in their wisdom, knowledge and history that I took for granted. The pictures you attached remind me of a simpler time. You and I were lucky to live in what is now known as the "Mid Century Moment" when America had a consensus of its culture and what it meant to be an American. It indeed was a treasured time to be a child. Love, Sharon
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