With our outside gardening and yard work on hold until Spring, we look this week at Christmas. In years back when Father was growing up they picked a day to do to town and buy their presents.
Mother and I thought about it a lot before proceeding. When we opened Christmas presents, Mother’s gifts were quite nice and definitely appropriate.
Father’s were of the hit and miss category. Most of his gifts were of the miss variety but a few through the years made the hit. Back to present we’ve been getting Christmas presents galore especially from the charities. Some we have made donations to through the year(s).
Others get nothing. What we’ve gotten in return usually starts with calendars about June or July. We must have gotten about two dozen calendars this year. Not all those we’ve given to.
Also included have been other things: a big assortment of Christmas cards along with general cards, several ball point pens, a flashlight or two, and some other things we’ve donated to the trash service. Or neighbors. A few of the gifts have been notable. In one recent episode, we exchanged gifts with a business buddy. One year sticks out -- we each gave each other the exact same gift.
This year due to a mail order error, he got two shipments of the same present. In past columns we’ve talked about Christmas Day. In years past we met with friends or relation for Christmas in someone’s house for dinner and visiting. Now with most of the family moved on or gone, we frequently eat out.
One year our church had a dinner. Not the usual kind. The week before the holiday, we received a phone call. If you don’t have any other place to go come to church for a potluck dinner. About half the congregation came.
This writer’s contribution came at the last minute - just before the meal start we asked if they needed anything. One supermarket was open. Those supplies became our contribution. It was a good celebration.
This year we might have a snowstorm meaning we might get stuck at home. Laura Ingall Wilder tells one of Christmas Eve when travelers stopped at their cabin due to the snowstorm. Mother Ingalls gave the guests some of her precious items as gifts. We have many memories through the years - some bad and some good. They all make good stories from time to time.
We hope you will have a good time too. Until next week.
