WAVE OF LOVE WEDNESDAY

 Christmas is a time for memories. It is also a time to reflect on Christmases past and looking forward to Christmas coming.  As I am getting older, memories meander in my heart like a shaken snow globe. From the time I start thinking about decorating, writing cards, and shopping, I can almost see my four adult middle-aged children as they were many years ago.

When the children were young, we lived in an apartment, in the country. As apartments go, the rooms were small, and space was limited. In the center of the kitchen, sat a small table that actually was made for four people, but we stretched it to seat six. It was on that table that many dozens of Christmas cookies were made.

I always left some out for the children, then put the others in holiday tins. Each can held about five to six dozen cookies. The extra-large one held over ten dozen thin cutouts decorated with red and green sugar.

 I hid the cans in different locations so the little ones would not be tempted. However, one evening, some company stopped by, and I thought we would enjoy some lovely cookies with our coffee.

I knew something was strange when the children who were laughing all went silent at the same time as I pulled the can out from under the couch. It was the can that was filled with chocolate chip cookies. Much to my surprise, it was empty! All four of them looked sheepishly as I tried to hide the laughter that was bubbling up.

 Much to my surprise, they ate the cookies, when I was hanging up the wash, did errands, and even after I went to bed.  It seems their dad found them too. Four little rascals and one big one!

 Since I wanted to have a little something for our company, I gave away my hiding places.  To this day, I cannot believe they ate six dozen cookies in just a few days. And not one of them got a tummy ache.  Oh, such funny memories that continually make you smile as the years pass.

The Christmas presents were hidden in the attic. Each night after the children went to bed, I would put on my winter coat and hat, then sneak up the steps that squeaked and creaked and wrap as many as I could before my fingers went numb.  Little did I know that two of the four rascals would sneak up to the attic, find a gift or two, unwrap it, play with it, then wrap it back up. Now I know why the wrappings looked a tad different under the tree.

Each year, it seemed I forgot one or two gifts in the attic. Sometimes I did not find them until spring. I learned to cover up my mistake by saying, ” Look what Santa forgot to put under the tree!” The little ones bought it but the two older ones, squinted their eyes as if to say, really, Mom? 

One of my favorite memories of the holiday was going to Christmas Eve service. We all went. When we walked into the church,  our Pastor welcomed my husband, as  one of the children said, ” See Dad, the church is still standing!”

 Although the children always went to Sunday School and Church with me, their Dad only went two times a year.  As the service started and the organist played the first Christmas hymn, all four rascals would giggle as I gave them my not in church look.  But I must admit listening to their Dad who could not carry a tune was cute. Memories are meant to be saved in our hearts and savored each year. Their Dad passed on December 11, 1994. He was fifty-one.  He is missed beyond words.

Memories of Christmas past, warm my heart and fill me with gratitude for my all of my children. I love them unconditionally and only want the best for each one.  My four rascals never cease to amaze me with their sense of humor especially at this time of year.

Christmas is love; cherish it, and let it carry you for 365 days until it’s time to remember again.