Christmas Memories

When I think about Christmas, I'm flooded with memories of my childhood. Toys, clothes, gifts of every size, shape and color. Traditions of carols, music, Mass, and family getting together. The more I look back, the more I see how Christmas has changed for me. In a selfish way, I do miss the presents, but more then that, I miss getting together with my family. With everyone all over the country, its often difficult enough just to get everyone on the phone, let alone see everyone once time a year. That is probably one of the toughest things to deal with on Christmas.

As a result, I find myself spending more time looking back on Christmas' past, and yearning for that family togetherness, that awe and wonder. I'm also secretly jealous of my brothers and sisters that have little children, to relive the Christmas awe & wonder through their young eyes. Perhaps someday...

After all the fond memories, guilt starts rolling in. I mean, looking back, I remember on many occasions where I asked Santa for a "boombox" or a video game, and Christmas day, instead of Stereo - it was mono or instead of an Atari I got Pong. How unappreciative and selfish I was back then. At times I'm brought to tears thinking of the dissapointment my mom and dad must have felt not being able to give the big brand name gift. I'm sure I didn't hide my disappointment all that well. Feeling it more and more as of late - with the economy, personal financial misfortune, and lack of decent paying work.

Through it all, I still cannot help getting excited about Christmas. What will Santa bring? A toy? A book? A lump of coal?

My favorite Christmas memory goes all the way back to the 1983 Christmas season - yes I'm old... It was one of the last years all our family lived at home. We had a tradition of going to Christmas Eve Mass, coming home to a nice home cooked meal, and after dinner - my siblings would put together a "Christmas Play." It was usually an epic adventure that took most of the previous day to prepare the script, costumes and practice to perfection - the likes many professional actors can only dream about :) This year, we came up with our own version of the 12 days of Christmas. It was awesome. Mom and Dad gave us the traditional standing ovation. We all continued afterward with carols, egg nog, and a Christmas movie - like Rudolph.

As it got closer to 11pm, we were all farmed off to bed - else Santa would never bring the presents. The evening (as usual) was filled with anxioty of what the next day would bring. So much so, that many of us were usually up all night spitting up or pooping out. Sometimes at the same time. I must admit - to a degree - it still happens today. The next morning, usually starting well before first light, we "awoke" to the pitter patter of little feet RACING downstairs to see if Santa had been by yet. If I remember correctly, we usually got up well before 6am. 4:30am was quite possibly the earliest we got up. After that - Dad started sleeping downstairs to make sure no one got a "head start" on opening presents.

All in all, fond memories. I cannot wait for what happens this year.

What is your best / worst Christmas Story??