Christmas Memories
December 2025
Dear Mom,
It is already December 28. Christmas has come and gone. It was a bit hectic this year, with so much going on, but for the last month I have been thinking about memories growing up with you, Dad and Charlie. Christmas was simpler back then, wasn’t it? Family time, decorations, a few gifts, some caroling and always a special tree.
I do not even remember where we got the tree each year. I think there were lots where we went and picked one out. We had a small house, so probably a five footer. I suppose you brought it home in the trunk of our small car and Charlie helped Dad bring it in and set it up. Those memories are vague.
What I do remember is decorating the tree. We had a box of ornaments that Charlie brought down from the attic and we would carefully hang them as a family. We always had a box of silver tinsel. Some families would just throw it on the tree, but not in our house. Dad felt it was important to carefully place each strand in a special place. It was a slow but fun process. Next Charlie and Dad put on the string of lights. Finally we put the beautiful skirt that you had sewn around the bottom of the tree. I always felt so happy seeing the final product. The whole time our records of Christmas carols would be playing in the background.
You made us each a stocking of red felt and embroidered our names on them. I must have been very young, because my stocking was extremely tiny. It didn’t matter. I knew Santa Claus would find something fun to fill it.
On a Saturday before Christmas, Dad would take me downtown to the department store that had a special display for children to pick out a gift for their parents. A clerk would take me by the hand and lead me through, making suggestions. I suppose Dad paid when I came out the other end. Then we would have a yummy lunch at the Silver Grille in Higbees Department Store. It was such a special treat to have that day, just Dad and me.
On the 25th, Charlie and I would run downstairs to see what was under the tree. There was usually doll for me and a toy car for Charlie. There were probably a few other items, but I always wanted to play with my new doll, so I was completely content.
You would spend time in the kitchen making a pot roast with mashed potatoes and green beans. I always helped you get out all the special dishes and good silver, then set the table. Everything seemed magical that day. Grandma would come for dinner. We ate and then had your shortbread cookies.
If there was snow, which was usually the case, Charlie and I would play and run around outside while Dad watched sports and you cleaned up. It was not a fancy day; it was a day to celebrate with the family and enjoy being together.
Fred and I have carried on a lot of those traditions (except the tinsel!). This year Sara and Doug were in Colorado but we could FaceTime with them. Alex and Abby came for lunch. My favorite part is spending time with the people I love. You taught me that. I am deeply grateful but I still miss you.
Love,
Helen
