What Are Your Strongest Memories of Christmas as a Child?
Many of us cherish the magical memory of Uncle G’s misguided attempt to play Santa Claus but get stuck in the chimney. This not only introduced an element of amusement to the joy of the occasion but also highlighted the safety and warmth of family gatherings.
Feeling Safe and Loved
As a child, the smell of the artificial Christmas tree, the soft jingle of a liquor store chipmunk music, and the aroma of delicious food made the entire house feel like a cozy fortress where nothing could harm me. The fact that my family was always there to provide a strong sense of safety and security is one of the reasons why Christmas was such a cherished time of year.
Christmas Traditions Through the Years
Christmas Eve was a house full of excitement and laughter, filled with friends and family. Mom and Dad would always throw a big Christmas Eve party, inviting friends and their kids, even though my sisters and I didn’t have any cousins. Sometimes, my older sisters would sneak a little wine and liquor, but that was always a minor event compared to the joy of the celebration. The house was always filled with the sounds of Christmas music and the anticipation of what the night would bring.
Waking Up to Christmas Magic
One of my fondest memories is waking up in the pitch darkness of Christmas Eve night and hearing a rustling noise in the living room. At first, I thought it was Santa Claus, but the thought of facing such a mysterious figure ad nauseam froze me in place. The warmth and security of my bed were enough to comfort me and lull me back to sleep, imprinting that night with a particularly strong and cherished memory.
The Opening of Gifts: A Morning of Excitement
On Christmas morning, we would all gather in my room, with my sisters Lori and Tracy eagerly waiting to see what gifts awaited. My sisters would often wake up early, run into my room, jump onto my bed, and wake me up in an excited frenzy about the morning's events. These moments of shared joy and anticipation were a testament to our close bond and the fun we shared. We would ask Dad if we could go downstairs to open gifts, and if it was too early, he would let us choose one small present and return to our room to wait.
Presents Under the Tree
Seeing all the presents under the tree was truly exciting. Our parents would hide the gifts and bring them all out after we were in bed, adding to the magic of the surprise. We would each grab a small gift and run back upstairs to open them, their excitement palpable. Mom and Dad would light the tree, make coffee, serve egg nog, light the fireplace, and put on Christmas music before calling us down. Another cherished tradition, filled with family warmth and the spirit of Christmas.
My Role as Santa
One of my responsibilities was to hand out the gifts, sometimes playing Santa Claus while my parents sat on the couch and the girls and I sat near the tree. This tradition stretched out the morning, ensuring that we made the most of the special day. My sister Lori would sneak into the hiding places of the gifts, but her mischievous ways were always discovered and reminded her that there would be no surprises on Christmas morning. When all the gifts were opened, it was time to empty the stockings, a joyful moment filled with laughter and anticipation.