And just what event could make any particular Christmas more memorable than any other. There are so many different pieces that go to the puzzle of an individual’s memory. When I pour out the pieces that clutter my mind, I’m overwhelmed with so many feelings of nostalgia that include moments of happiness, joy and love, and remembrances of those gone on before me. Such thoughts bring feelings of pleasure at this joyful time of the year.
But when it comes to Christmas, gifts are certainly one of the many memories that accumulate in one’s mind. I’ve already once shared here the special gifts my mom shared with me over the years. One was my first guitar, a Sears and Roebuck Silvertone guitar on my 13th birthday and the personal dresser valet that still sit on my dresser today, a 17th birthday present. But as I’ve already stated, the greatest gift she ever gave me, other than the one of life, was taking me to the local library when I was 6-years-old and getting me a library card, opening the world to me. So, I am who I am thanks to those two special gifts from my Mama, the love of music and reading, two things that have filled my life.
Of course, so many other things are tied to my Mama June “Bug”, which I’ve shared here with y’all. But there are other special Christmas memories, one being a special Christmas decoration, a ceramic tree that sat on an end-table in our living room. And to this very day, that same tree still exists, sitting in my living room, lighting my life with wonderful memories.
Another special tradition Mama began was that of a box of Whitman’s Sampler chocolates, She would buy one every Christmas, much to my chocoholic delight. And it was after I got Lynndee here from the Philippines and made her my wife that I re-instituted that tradition in our new family. But it was not only a small box but a huge 40 ounce box we began buying, though this year we just got a smaller one for we let last year’s go to waste. We just weren’t chocoholic nuts last year, for some reason.
It was just recently that I came across a true piece of ancient history, that being a 1963 copy of TV Guide Magazine. It was for the week of December 21-27, less than a month after the assassination of President Kennedy. But the first time I ever saw this particular copy of the magazine was on December 25, 1963, finding it under the Christmas tree. On the cover, in my Mom’s handwriting, was the following:
Dear Bud
You will get a T.V. Guide for a whole year. This is your personal gift.
Daddy & Mama
That was a big deal to me! I loved the TV Guide. And the concept of a ‘personal gift’ was something entirely new to me. I sure didn’t realize what a big deal that was to the family budget. At that time the one-year subscription was $6.00, or you could buy the single issue for 15¢, which would have been $7.80 a year bought on a weekly basis. But that was a lot of money to my family at that time so it was a very special gift, though in my youth I didn’t realize that.
Of course Mama never said a word about the cost. It’s only after being grown and raising my own family that I know the troubles my Mama and Daddy had back in those days. I sure do miss ’em both, and the memory of them is one of the joyful things of this season.
So I want to wish all of you faithful followers and readers a Very Merry Christmas as we all celebrate and create the memories that others will look back on in the years ahead.
I love this! It’s always nice to have items that mean something. The TV Guide story is beautiful.
Those chocolates are the best way to celebrate the season. I think that TV guide must be worth a lot so hold on to it.
Boy that brings me back. I think the biggest thing about the holidays is the nostalgia of what it was like when you were a child. I try very hard to have something for my child to remember when he is older too!
What great memories in these gifts! Especially the TV guide. I used to collect them and then they got thrown away when I went to college! So much nostalgia!
What a wonderful post. Holiday memories are always so special. Thank you for sharing some of yours with us!
Wishing you an amazing holiday season as well. Thanks for sharing your memories with us.
im just like you and love the memories that come along with the holidays 🙂 thanks for sharing such great ideas.
Those little gifts are the most special. I am sure your mama’s heart was filled with joy knowing you were excited over your tv guide subscription. We do the samplers of candies too, but Russel Stover’s. It’s a running joke because my daughter always thought it was Russel Steven’s. “Do we get some Russel Steven’s this year?” LOL
We recently packed up my Grandma’s house, and sold everything that the family didn’t take. There was a tree like that in the sale. I really wanted to keep it, but just have no room in my house to display it. I was thrilled that someone found it and was so excited about it, so I know it will go to a good home.
I love how this season makes you think of the old days and see how far you’ve come as well. Traditions are always such a lovely thing.
These are really great Christmas memories. And I am so glad you were able to share this with us. Wishing you a wonderful holiday this year!
I prefer inexpensive gifts actually. It’s the thought that counts doesn’t it? The more personalized it is the more special.
I am excited for when my son gets a tad bit older so he can start to understand Christmas and we can start some yearly traditions with him that he can truly look forward to! Those are what make Christmas insanely memorable.
I remember my mother having one of those trees. I bet she still has it to this day too. I wish I had one for myself. I love them!
Christmas is such a wonderful time of year for my family. I really get hit hard with feelings of nostalgia when my favorite Christmas songs come on the radio on Christmas eve.
For me being with my family overseas is what makes my holidays special, so many memories that I get sad when I know this year we will not be together
Happy Holidays! I’m glad you have so many good memories of your parents. I always miss my dad a lot during the holidays because he and my mom always made sure it was a good time for us.
Yes holidays season always bring out best memories. This holiday I am celebrating without mom and dad. I like you kept all the gifts neatly after several years.
OH my gosh, I had one of those little Light up Christmas trees when I was younger. I wonder if my mom still has mine