“We did so MUCH to enjoy Christmas”

Dec 9th “We did so MUCH to enjoy Christmas”

Christmas Remembered pg.3

Sometimes in LIFE… I do believe, that we all need to think back to our very early years … as a very young child… and start remembering just exactly… all of the most wonderful things that we did with our parents.

When you start to think back… you will start to remember …we as a family did get together more often, and did really enjoy doing wonderful and learning to do more things as a family… than we do today!

I will put my answer at the end of this article… and you can let me know… if you agree, and or if you have some better ideas… regarding the celebrating of CHRSTMAS together as a family?

In the early 40’s, my Dad took me to the Poultry Store where they had, (live birds) and we would pick out that live Turkey… to be prepared, “quickly” for us to pickup on our return – as we needed to head for McConnell’s fruit and vegetable store, for some of the other ingredients needed by my Dad… to prepare our Christmas dinner.

All of these stores that we went to – to do our CHRISTMAS DINNER shopping were, within a block or two.

Today: all of these little stores are combined together under one roof, and under some big “Name” Super Store!

After picking up the “Turkey” and everything that was needed – we headed home.

All of this extra special shopping… was done in our neighborhood… and no vehicle was used… we walk and carry those items that were needed… NOW!

Immediately – arriving home… my Dad turned into an Irish elf – no cook book needed – he had pots and pans going – the smells and aroma were the indication something “special” is taking place – and this is going to be a most delicious meal and time for all!

Also, can not forget that “Christmas” tree – we all dressed warm and headed out – there were several “tree lots” to check out and we all had to give our “ooh o ‘s and ah’s” and with the “Right Tree” – we headed back for home and in a big hurry!

My Dad knew where all the “Christmas Stuff” would be found – and brought the outside lights – outside and all the inside ornaments and lights in to the living room.

The lights for outside were the size of a 25 watt or 40 watt round bulb – and in no time at all, he had that “Christmas tree” and the snowball bush out side all decorated, and with that size bulb the decorating was beautiful!

Now, ready to do the inside decorating!

The best memory of all this “Christmas” prep was that the “Turkey” was so big, it was the only thing, you could put in the “oven” – so when that “Turkey was stuffed” – into the “oven ” it went… and after midnight… it would be cooking slowly, and as we slept – you would think you were in “Heaven” – the aroma was so heavenly!

Around – 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. – you just had to get out of bed and see if “Santa” came to our house?

We all got up – and in our time – back then – we went to the Perpetual Help Church, which was just a couple of blocks away.

All the way to and from Church – wishing friends and relatives a “Merry Christmas! ”

– Back home – we celebrated!

“Christmas… way back and when I was little… we did so much more together at home… and in our walking all around the neighborhood… including the Parks… for miles around… because we did not have “TV” to keep us sitting in one spot for too many long hours… not able to do and or to go for long walks with the family… and in our walks… we would visit our relatives… as so many did live in and around the same area as we did.”