“Christmas EVE” and going HOME”

Dec 27th “Christmas EVE” and going HOME”

********* This is the continuation of …Christmas EVE – – so if you have not read “December 24th” – – go back a couple of days – – for the full story!*********

Back in the 1940’s – -when I was in the third grade and in the “ORPHANAGE” and our teacher was “Sister Florence” – – following the Advent services in the beautiful Chapel where the “INFANT baby Jesus was placed in the crib – – we would – – then go to our “CLASS ROOMS” and march around the class room – – singing “CHRISTMAS SONGS” – – with the main idea of seeing what we were to receive as CHRISTMAS GIFTS – – and at the same time see what our classmates were receiving, too!

After a few minutes of getting an idea of all the surprises that were brought by “SANTA” and left on your desk – – just for you – – we were given the okay signal to go to our desk and open the gifts and share our excitement… with our classmates. For me this beautiful “BRIDE DOLL” was almost too much to believe … was just for me! I just loved having a doll as I had several dolls at my home – – before I came to live at this Orphanage – – and was always hoping to have one of them here to play with as I usually carried one of my dolls – – with me – – any where and every where.

At ten minutes after seven – – in the evening – – we were in our regular rows of marching on up to the third floor – – where the dormitories were – – and to our designated room and bed. In some of these rooms … there were 15 to 20 beds – and along side each bed a chair – – where as we would undress – then we would put our play clothes on the chair carefully – and put on our pajamas – – which had been folded as we had place under the pillow – – when we made our bed – – at five-thirty in the morning. We did start the day – – nice and early.

Going to sleep this night … was one of those nights’ when you just do not know what to think about – – as there is going to be so much more excitement happening in the morning. Just thinking about the doll on my desk – – want my MOM and DAD to see it in the morning when they come to pick my brothers and me up – – as we are going to our house in the CITY – – for the CHRISTMAS VACATION – – that if… you have some where to go – – and people to come and get you – – well – – it was like going to HEAVEN!

It was difficult to dream just… ABOUT ONE THING – – THIS NIGHT – – was just too exciting – – too much to think about – – just the knowing that – – after “CHURCH” at six o’clock in the morning – chores and breakfast – then to finish your particular chores – – must be finished – when your parents arrive – – – off you are to the great big world – – somewhere – – where it is only a little memory – – to you in this ORPHANAGE – – and the only thing that you can think of – – “I’m going HOME” in the morning – – on “CHRISTMAS” morning!

********* more to come…CHRISTMAS EVE and GOING HOME *********