Memories of Christmas past
I'm trying to remember Christmas past. This weather makes me think of a really warm Christmas Day back when we lived in El Dorado. We kids all played outside just like it was summertime.
One Christmas Eve we stayed overnight at a cousin's. By early morning we all were partially overcome by carbon dioxide. It was a terrible feeling, so now when I hear of carbon monoxide poisoning I know by experience what it is like.
I don't remember having real Christmas trees when I was little. I do remember Mother decorating a bare tree limb with cotton fluff.
Then there was the huge real Christmas tree at the country church, covered with chains of popcorn and colored paper. The tree was loaded with beautiful, real, little candles, all burning brightly. They were held in place in a small tin receptacle and snapped to the tree limbs like a clothes pin. What kept that tree from exploding into a ball of flames, I'll never know.
Maybe it was the children's songs, "Away in a Manger," or "We Three Kings." There were gifts for all the children. My sister Faith and I received little "fur" neckpieces and muffs.
For years now we have gotten together as a family on Christmas Eve. Then Christmas Day we get together for a huge feast.
Most churches have a Christmas party for the children. Santa would arrive with the jingle of sleigh bells and a "Ho-ho-ho!" He would deliver a treat to each child. It would be candy, cookies, oranges, or apples.
One time Santa at the Presbyterian church left after the party and two little boys followed him. He had a terrible time keeping ahead of them and wore them out dashing from bush to bush.
I don't think Santa does any harm if he is allowed to just be a jolly old elf. Merry Christmas!
— NORMA HANNAFORD
