Christmas is God’s Love Message!

This is the time of the year for making memories to pass on to the next generations of the Joy and Love we received from God and Family! Christmas should be thought of as the LOVE we received, and want only to pass it on – in the memories and photos we make to share.

Christmas Eve – that is – back, when my children were small – we would go to visit family and friends houses to give gifts. Then around 11:00 p.m.  – We would make our way for Church services starting at 11:30 p.m.  – if you wanted to get a seat or if late, there was standing room only. Seems like Christmas Eve  brings everyone to Church for services, there will be more  attending Church  this night, than any other night – because who wants to miss out on somrthing  special!

After services, on the way home, someone in the car would have seen “Santa” on his way to our house – and we would all be highly excited as to if he had made a landing and if we would be able to see “SANTA” land anywhere? Of course it was so cold, and we were in a hurry to get into the garage, and then into the house, and this is where we would let the kids run in as fast as they could to get the full surprise! Absolutely – positively -a miracle happened – when we left the house, there was nothing under the tree, but now so many presents and just the most delightful array of treats for the children – how did this all happen?

Here’s how I decided to make magic happen. We would be getting dressed for Church and to visit family and friends, and all of sudden I would need something at the store. So, I would tell my husband  – in ear shout of the kids that I have to have something before we leave and if he could go and get it real quick. My husband would call the kids attention – that he was leaving and that they could go along and see all the sights – all the houses decorated and everything that was going on outside. So, off they all went – then as fast as I could – get from my special hiding place everything that was wrapped and ready to be put around the tree. Also, set up special snacks – including a plate with cookies and a couple nicely broken as if SANTA had been a little messy.

When everything was ready, then I too, was ready to go – I stood watch for my husband driving up the drive way – as soon as I saw them coming up the drive – I hit the button to open the garage door – and out I went on my way to just jump in the car! And off we were, no one in the car knowong what was really happening? The scene was set – SANTA arrived and no one saw him or knows how he got there with all that stuff? The secret was having a “secret hiding place” in the house that the children did not know about – and when they were not around  – things were wrapped and put there till “SANTA” needed them!

Those were the days – making memories when the children were small – that will last forever! Christmas is Love – Love of God – Love of Family – a “Love”  that shares,  will last forever and ever more!


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Santa – stopped at 100 Cherbourg

Aunt Irene, Lee & Al 001

Aunt Irene was helping Lee Jr. and Al Aldrich celebrate Christmas, and helped play with the Walkie-Talkie’s and stayed for Turkey Dinner and all the trimmings! “Merry Christmas Every Reader  of Grandma’s Stories.”


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A Happy Child’s Face is Christmas!

A#1 Alan 001

The birth of Jesus – Christmas – is seen in the happy face of his children! This picture is of my A#1 Grandson, Alan Aldrich. I am grateful and thankful that Almighty God has given to Alan many wonderful gifts, to help him on his life’s journey.


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1962 Christmas – Florida

1962 Christmas 001

It’s beginning to look like Christmas. Living in Ft. Lauderdale, no real cold weaher, no snow  – took some real getting use to. And,  to go to the beach  for swimming on New Year’s Day was just wonderful. Easy to get to like in a hurry!


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Christmas in the Orphanage

Today there may not be as many Orphanages, as there were when I was a kid – there was St .Mary’s Orphanage for girls –St. Joseph Orphanage for bays – and then there was German St. Vincent Orphanage for boys and girls! St. Vincent was the place, my two brothers – Denny and Tommy and me, Mary Ellen – decided we would be together. The year this change in our lives took place was 1945. My mother went to her parish church, Perpetual Help – asking for assistance for a couple of month’s assistance.  (My advice to anyone – don’t ask for help – it is not available, nor will you ever receive what you think. In the long run, you will pay a price that will break your heart!)

On the Dec. 20th you will find a photo of the yearly custom of Procession of Baby Jesus brought to the crib scene, with a church service, and some of the children participating. As you can see the children are dressed in their regular play clothes, and what they are really thinking about is the activity that will be taking place when we all go to our class rooms, and what – will Santa bring to all of us “GOOD ORPHANS” – after all we do behave as instructed or we know what “trouble” is.

Marching in our class room, singing “Christmas Carols” around the perimeter – each child looking at their own desk to see or make out just exactly what you will be opening up in a few minutes. The suspense is growing, and as everyone marches – you try to also figure out what your friends are getting – is what they are to receive better that what you will have? Everything is about the same for each child, couple of games, and some small items to play with, also puzzles that not many kids like getting.

One year, Eleanor Faucher, in my class room, and her sister Rosemary Faucher in another class room, each receive a brand new bicycle, their father worked for the downtown bus company.

Another year, I received a “BRIDE DOLL” with real hair, in banana curls, and the whole out-fit custom made just for me! This doll was mine, still in an old “WAC UNIFORM” these were the “WAR YEARS” – with lots of wear and tear from being used in rough play -my Aunt Irene Riley took the old doll to the “DOLL HOSPITAL” to be overhaul, and to use some of her hair she had- when she first had her long hair cut in the 1920s. I was tickled “PINK!”

Christmas morning, each child received the best gingerbread dough cookie in the shape of a large sled – it was a very long lasting cookie and so good. That was breakfast, with cup of milk and apple butter bread. If you were “LUCKY” and your parents would be taking you home for a couple of weeks, you would hurry and get your things ready to leave as soon as they came for you.

Going home to be with your parents as a family should do for Christmas is the best of feelings for kids, just ask me – I know what “Christmas Love” feels like!

 


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Lee, Al, Santa 1966

Lee, Al, Santa 1966 001

Remember to have pictures of your children taken when they are young! Memories fade away so quickly, and facts change , or as you get older, you can hardly remember exactly some of the more important things that took place – back then!

 


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