Today is December 5th. This first week of December has always been a tough week for my family. We have experienced death and funerals during it. So, my word today is: Memories.
I don’t know what it is about the days after Thanksgiving, and the ones going towards Christmas, but it seems that there are life & death events that happen during them. My mother and my sister’s husband both passed during this time period. Maybe it’s just more obvious during the holiday time that pain, hurt, and a lot of sadness happen – even in the time of expectation and joy.
So, I prefer to think of the happy memories that stay in my head. I remember when I was a kid and I remember our own family’s customs at Thanksgiving and Christmas. We had some good ones. Since I’m a pastor’s kid many of my memories have to do with being around the church. I remember being in the children’s choir. (Carrying electric candles when the grown ups got real ones). Our procession and singing “Oh come oh come Emmanuel.” I remember participating in Christmas plays. I remember waiting between Christmas Eve services to open that one present we were allowed to open at that time. Dad was very ‘busy’ that night but he came home to watch us open it. And then VERY late, after the 11:00pm candlelight service, relaxing and opening up the other gifts. We were a Christmas Eve family. Christmas Day was about driving to my Grandma and Grandpa’s home a few hours away and seeing them, aunts & uncles, and cousins.
I have memories of food at Christmas: the Milheim sugar cookies and my mother’s cheesecake with cherries spooned on top. I remember my Grandma’s noodles ladled over mash potatoes! Yes! Carb over carb. I guess it goes back to the days of stretching out pennies and feeding lots of people. It was yummy!! It was all made from scratch.
I remember matching Christmas dresses. Handmade by my mother. Always wearing white tights under them.
Memories are forever. Even now, this year, new memories will be made. As a grandmother (Mimi !!) now I know how important making them is, and I relish the time with my grandsons to be a part of theirs. My hubby, daughters, and I have made some wonderful memories each year – morning gift opening, bloody Mary’s (it seems appropriate – ha!), staying in pj’s for hours, playing games.
People may go in and out of our lives but the wonderful memories stay. During Advent we have time to prepare for the occasion coming, to focus on what will make the unforgettable memories. Will it be church? And the food? The special traditions?
What special memories do you have?
Marla’s Musings 