So even though we are elderly we still act like high school students and never miss a chance for a friendly dig. My comment on his face book post was "Ya, that's a lot of Christmases!" Like, you're old!!
Well, I got thinking about Willis's comment. Yes, it's many Christmases. In my case 76 of them. The first ones I don't remember. However, I do remember the Christmases when I was a child and safe in the care of my parents. They made Christmas interesting with baking, decorations, gifts and very festive meals. We also had community and church festivities. Christmas day was a long day of good food and visiting with neighbors and friends.
In my late teens I was not tied as closely to family and spent more time in the holidays with friends. Once I left home the time for Christmas with family was shortened. You raced home just in time for Christmas. You missed all the Christmas preparations. Some of the excitement was gone as now you were an adult.
Then came the first time I was not able to be home for Christmas. I was in the Arctic with many other young single people who were away from family. The 30 of us in the residence, got together and prepared a very festive meal. I'm sure many of us were thinking about home, but we had a very good time.
Next, a new pattern was formed when I married. Problem! You can't get to both parents for the holidays so what do you do? A couple of those dilemmas were solved when my wife had to work.
When you have children of your own you start making your own traditions for the holidays. There's excitement about decorations, gifts, stories, songs and a special meal. Many of the things I did were what I learned from my parents.
My kids live far away from me and they don't get home for Christmas. They have their own kids to make traditions.
So , yes, we do have great memories and friends formed around Christmas. As we age the celebration of Christmas changes. Celebrations change with the times.
Now matter what, Christmas is a joyful time of the year.
Yes, age changes things. However I am fortunate to have my children and my grandchildren near me now, and more extended family within the region. At age 71 I am still making Christmas magic and will do so for as long as I can.
ReplyDeleteMagic is the key. The eyes of children and grandchildren reflect that magic.
Deleteminechanged fairly similar.One of my best as a young adult was sharing our traditions and having a nice meal.
ReplyDeleteI'll always be sharing traditions.
DeleteI'd say that's the only bad thing about living in America is that family can live way away from you. Most European nations might be the size of Texas which is drive-able.
ReplyDeleteIt takes effort to travel at Christmas.
DeleteWhat a sweet nostalgic post, Red. I always went home for Christmas, no matter where I was, and that was always where my parents were. It all changed for me when they died and my home is now wherever I am. We don't decorate but attend Christmas parties and gatherings. I've also had quite a few Christmas memories over the years. Thanks for reminding me to remember them. :-)
ReplyDeleteThankyou. I've done Christmas many ways. It's nice now to just take it easy.
DeleteI can recall some of the Christmases of my early childhood and after we married in 1970 and had children we moved 450 miles from my parents and a Christmas journey home (which we undertook for many many years) involved a sea crossing and two days by car through the Scottish Highlands which were often beset by snow-covered or blocked roads. I remember them. However apart from odd ones the last 20 or so years seems to have disappeared. I'm afraid that I'm rather a bah humbug person when it comes to Christmas with all its commercialisation.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on the Bah humbug. I also made the 450 mile journey but it was one day. Weather always made the trip debatable.
DeleteVery well said, Red.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteThe holiday does change when you get older and the children are gone. Still, I try to continue the festive spirit.
ReplyDeleteYou may have been through lots of Christmases but you are definitely a wise young man.
ReplyDeleteYes, a young 76!!! I'm not so sure about the wise!
DeleteI grew up celebrating Hanunnakah but still enjoyed Christmas festivities with friends. As my kids were little, we made sure to introduce them to both holidays. I still light a menorah and decorate a Christmas tree. Lots of lovely nostalgia here, Keith. Thanks for that warmth. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteHappy Hannukah! The Menorah is certainly a very meaningful ceremony.
DeleteYes lots of memories. BUT lots of work too if you are always the place the Christmas is...because it is tradition")
ReplyDeleteI hear ya. My Mom always had Christmas.
DeleteNothing beats the Christmas as a kid feeling
ReplyDeleteYes, Christmas is for kids.
DeleteChristmas changes from year to year as we go through different stages of life. Sometimes I do wish I could go back and visit once more a Christmas here and there from different parts of my life. Your tree is pretty. Looks like it has many memories on it!l
ReplyDeleteI would like to do what you suggest and go back to certain times in my life.
DeleteMy grandmother was the one who made my childhood Christmases so special. Now I try to be the one to bring that same feeling to my grandchildren. If I come close to her achievement, I'll be a happy old lady.
ReplyDeleteMy two sets of grandparents were total opposites. One barely celebrated and the other made Christmas special.
DeleteSuch a wonderful, nostalgic post. These are the things I think about this time of year. We do create new traditions with our own children and they in turn create new ones of their own. Such is life. And it's all good.
ReplyDeleteYou have described it well, especially the transition periods.
ReplyDeleteI suppose all of us face these situations when we go through the different phases of life.
Well, we have snow. The pond is frozen over. Hah!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm sorry I gave you my cold! :-)
My hubby hasn't had many good Christmas memories until he met me. So sad. Then there were the years we were away from kids. And the years I was between husband, and the kids were at their dad's house. It can be awfully tough!
a nice walk thru your life via quick memories. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Red, Interesting to think back on Christmases past.
ReplyDeleteThoughtful reflections which I have to admit brought a tear to my eye. Things do change don't they? Merry Christmas Red.
ReplyDeleteFrom Minnesota to Arizona for us. As we get older it seems farther and farther away....
ReplyDelete