We had a live Christmas tree every year, adorned with bubble lights and excess tinsel. Dad worked at Gurney's Seed and Nursery for a few years. We all still remember the white flocked tree he once brought home during this time. We felt quite fancy that year.
Mom always made special treats during the holidays. This was the only time of year that she made batches of fudge. We also enjoyed her peanut butter balls and coconut balls. Before our farmhouse was remodeled, we had a large enclosed porch. Round tins filled with these treats were kept here. I was a frequent visitor to the porch this time of year.
Even though money was very tight, Christmas mornings were always magical. I have a vivid memory of the morning we woke to find a new television set. Instead of waiting in a line outside Best Buy at 5am with a credit card, our parents had sold apples to save up to buy this for us. I'm certain it took much creative budgeting to fulfill the wishes of four children, but we were never disappointed. We received joy in abundance. After we set aside the Life Savers storybooks from our stockings, we opened gift after gift. Christmas day was spent moving toy cars up and down an elevator on a Fisher Price parking garage, and making Weebles wobble.
Life's changes and loss have removed a bit of the holiday sparkle for me, but there is still magic to be found. Generosity and thoughtfulness still abound. That childlike hope remains in me yet.
"I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams."
