Christmas Magic Memories

Remember those Christmas Eves

When I tucked you in. When I read you “The Night before Christmas”

But I changed the words.

I remember those Christmas Eves and other Christmas Eves as well

My older sister, Joan, and I slept together on Christmas Eve so we could share in the anticipation of Christmas. I still can hear her saying she could hear Santa on the roof, and “look at the magic snow”.

 I remember going to bed on Christmas Eve with no Christmas tree up,  and no gifts. Then waking up Christmas morning, seeing the tree but being hustled by the tree and gifts to have breakfast before we were allowed to see the tree or open presents. Dad  saying, teasingly to Mom,“Oh I’ll just have another cup of tea Ivy”.

We received one gift each and a stocking. Eight kids in our family.  And what fabulous Christmas dinners with as many as 27 of us around the table.

The amazing thing about Christmas memories is that people usually remember the fun they had with family and friends but don’t remember what gifts they received, from whom and when. So why do some of us place so much importance on the gifts we give and receive? Memories are about people. Magic Memories.

 Written by Diane Stoddart