Memorable Memories of the Christmas Season

I remember loving the Christmas season. It was so much fun to watch my children get up early in the morning to open their “good Christmas gifts.” They would love to help decorate our real Christmas tree. Even though artificial trees were used by many, we loved the smell of the fresh pine. I did not do a lot of outdoor decorations, but I did do indoors. I would do simple things such as a red ribbon or a wreath on the door. At this particular time I was a divorced mother raising four girls, one of which was my niece.  Their ages ranged from 8-11-years of age. In the past because I was single I would put their Christmas toys in the layaway. I was so thankful for the layaway. I especially liked the Christmas sales. I liked Christmas shopping for my children.

real Christmas tree

 *** Good News***

Just to See You Smile

1. This Year

This particular year the main stores that I would use for lay-away were not taking layaway. I thought to myself, “How dare they stop layaway.” I prayed to God often. I knew God would always show me a way. I just did not have the money to buy toys or anything for Christmas for four children. Since I could not use layaway, I needed to do things differently this Christmas.

Besides the fact that Christmas would be different, I had to deal with my children telling me there was no Santa Claus. Every year I would take them to see Santa. This time after taking them to see Santa, my children came to me and emphasized, “Mom there is no Santa Clause.” I replied, “How do you know this?” They answered, “That Santa Claus we saw had a black beard under the white beard, he was fake.” So I did not dispute that.

2. Dollar Store Shop

So I decided this Christmas I asked myself, “Why not shop at the dollar store?” So that is exactly what I did. I could not buy a lot, but I could get several different items for each child. Now I did do that, but I always felt so guilty afterwards, because I felt my children deserved so much more. I wanted to give them so much more. My children were good children and they never gave me any grief or any problems.

That Christmas morning they opened the gifts and to my surprise they were very happy with the dollar store gifts. My one daughter told me, “Mom this is the best Christmas ever.” I was so relieved, because I felt they would not appreciate the gifts. I did not tell them at the time the gifts were from the dollar store, but we did talk about it when they were older. They told me it did not matter and they really liked everything that I had bought. They even shared with me that they thought we were rich. I asked, “What made you think that?” Their reply, “We never had to want for anything.”

I then sat them down and explained, “We were not rich, but there were sacrifices made.” Although I worked there would be times that we ate breakfast food in the morning and in the evening. I explained that I would use the layaway for many of their clothing items. I explained sometimes even had to go to the Goodwill stores. I would also use coupons constantly. I would accept any and all overtime that my employer would give me.

So this was a Christmas that I will never forget and I thank God that He saw me through that Christmas. I was so thankful that even though I felt guilty about not having enough my children were thankful and happy.

3. Skating:

How many of you like to skate? In Venezuela they have all-night skating Americanmagazine.org further states that it is a family affair and the roller skating is very much tied to the Catholic faith. They further added that it is normally nine days before Christmas although others do it just on the weekend or on Sunday and the songs being sung in the park are religious songs written specifically for Christmas. Can you imagine. I definitely could. While I like to skate I do not know that I would want to skate all night though,  which ends with everyone skating to Mass at dawn. What are Christmas traditions for your family? 

4. Snowman:

Do you remember building a snowman when you were growing up? Over the years I have observed various creative-looking snowmen. I used to love to build a snowman and lay in the snow making an angel symbol. Snowmen symbols were especially popular during the Middle Ages, when many lacked the proper resources of outlets for artistic expression. That makes since.  Although I could do without the snow and the ice now that I am an adult, I did love it.  Snow is free and making a snowman is a great way to show creative and artistic talent. According to rd.com Michelangelo was even commissioned to build a snowman for the ruler of Florence?

5. Your First Snowman

Do you remember what your first snowman looked like? I believe people sometimes take some things for granted. There are so many free resources to become creative and snow is one I remember growing up. I never really liked the cold weather. Michigan can become so cold in the winter. When I compare it to the southern states there is so many differences. When in Florida my allergies are fine. Just as soon as I cross Ohio State line my allergies start flaring. For this reason I can see why people migrate to Florida during the winter months of Michigan. I really do not blame them.

Whatever State that you are in this Christmas, enjoy and remember the reason for the season.

Source:

The best holiday tradition you’ve never hear of: Venezuelans roller skating to Christmas Mass at sunrise.

 

The Fascinating History Behind These 24 Christmas Symbols

 

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