At Christmas we . . .
. . . often had surprises. I remember . . .
*the year Papa Bill's plane was scheduled to arrive very late on Christmas Eve. As we were loading up in the car for the drive to the airport, Mama had to run back in the house for something she forgot. We were soon on our way, however, and very happy to see Papa Bill and head back home. We had seen on the news that Santa was near our area, and as we entered the house, we realized he had visited us while we were at the airport! All our gifts were under the tree and we were able to enjoy them before heading to bed some time in the wee hours of the morning!
*the year I got up early and saw the huge stuffed animal for my younger sister, and the big bean bag for my older sister, and didn't notice my gift lying all alone on the table, underneath the small tree, until Daddy said I should look again . . . and there it was, my very own .410 shotgun. Until that moment, I'm not sure that I really believed I would get one. I was so excited that I carried it around all day and even propped it against the wall near my chair while we ate Christmas dinner!
*the year Grandma gave each of us girls a real rabbit coat. I didn't think much about it at the time, but I'm sure she must have saved for quite some time to be able to afford those gifts on her grocery store clerk's salary.
*the year I got a $50 Ralph Lauren shirt. We didn't have money for expensive clothes, but I wanted one of those shirts, like everyone else had back then, even though it was such a luxury. Somehow Mama & Daddy made sure a plaid long-sleeve shirt with the Ralph Lauren logo made its way under our Christmas tree that year. (Alas, I know there must be a photo of me wearing that shirt but I can't seem to find it!)
Please share your Christmas surprises memories in the comments & be sure to pop over to Sian's to enjoy more Christmas Club stories.
one year when I was probably about 10 all I wanted was a new pillow for Christmas. Mine was flat and uncomfortable. Like your family, we didn't have a lot of money. after all the gifts were open, I had several lovely treats but alas, no pillow. Mom must have seen the disappointment in my face (I tried to hide it!) she went back into her bedroom & came out with my new pillow with a big bow on it! Loved reading your memories!
ReplyDeleteI love hearing all the memories. I especially like the "trick" about your mama forgetting something and running back in the house. That's what we used in order to allow us to quickly pull out the santa stuff while the kids waited in the car!!
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely memories! I especially like the thought of Santa visiting while you were at the airport: how magic is that?
ReplyDeleteThanks Melissa. It's easy to see from the way you tell your stories how much you love Christmas!
What great memories - love your Mom 'forgetting' something and having to run back into the house - Mom's are so crafty! Wonderful photos to go with your memories too.
ReplyDeleteFab memories. My surprise gift was a record player, my parents did not have one but late xmas eve I was convinced I heard music playing. I fell asleep wishing so hard and that wish came true as I unwrapped a record player the next morning.
ReplyDeleteThe very best part of this wonderful post are those photographs of you and your family! Love those rabbit coats. They reminded me of my great-aunt's fox stole which I hadn't thought of for years!
ReplyDeleteI never would have guessed that your present would be a shot gun! Love the magic of Santa having visited while you were at the airport. Lovely memories.
ReplyDeleteSo lovely, I really enjoyed reading your Christmas memories. Fab surprises! Merry hristmas to you and yours Melissa :)
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful memories Melissa, and pictures to go with them. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteOh what lovely memories and great photos to with them too.
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