Deck the Halls

Christmas, the word to so many people means memories. Family celebrations, special traditions, memorable gifts, so many precious thoughts. This week I thought I would share with you some of my Christmas memories. I shall start with one of our traditions, decorating my grandma’s house for Christmas.

My family would journey to grandma’s house for Thanksgiving. Literally we went over the hills through the woods to Grandma’s house. Upon arrival we walked through the door, my brother would promptly turn on the football game. I went to find grandma in kitchen preparing the meal. Various other relatives and friends would join us for the holiday. Later in the afternoon mom and dad went home. But not us children, no we got to stay at grandma’s house for two nights! Our job would be to help grandma trim the tree. We started that very night by putting up Grandma’s ceramic Christmas tree. Then
Grandma and I would venture out to see if any Christmas lights were up. Usually there were a few. Morning brought three eager young workers ready to do whatever needed done. After we enjoyed the rare treat of cold cereal smothered in sugar energy would stream through us to put to use in decorating. Christmas music piped from the stereo as we dug out the decorations from the basement. Before long we had decked the halls and even the porch. We would help grandma with various other odd jobs throughout the day. When evening came Grandma prepared our traditional supper, waffles with white sauce and sausage. A real treat since waffles usually were not on our menu at home.

Grandma and I again would drive around to look at lights after meal. This time we would be delighted to find more to gaze at. Upon returning to grandma’s house we spent the evening playing games while Christmas played in the background. Before bed ice cream was served a treat enjoyed quite frequently at grandmas!

As we exited the door grandma would slip us spending money for our pockets for our “hard” work. The trim stood ready and trimmed beckoning us to return for Christmas day. Celebrating Christmas with Grandma started at Thanksgiving and finished at Christmas. Now grandma’s house is gone, no room is there for the fancy decorations. However the memories of the annual decorating party will linger and remain in my heart forever.