Christmas Then, and Christmas Now

There are three short weeks until Christmas. In that amount of time, like millions of other families, my family needs to get out Christmas cards, shop for various get-togethers, figure out the kids' Christmas lists, and send packages to family who live far away.

Children Waiting for Santa Claus

Things get different as you get older. As a little child, going to bed was the easy part. It was falling asleep that was hard. You wanted to fall asleep so it would be Christmas Morning faster, but you were too excited to fall asleep. My brother and I would give each other that uneasy look when one of us had to use the bathroom. Should we chance it? We did, and then ran back into our room and under the covers. Eyes closed like we had been in bed the whole time. My sister's bedroom was downstairs. She would sleep upstairs with us on Christmas Eve to be safe. You can't be too careful when Santa Claus is visiting.

My brother and I had bedrooms downstairs when we were older, and we fell asleep more easily. No need to hide upstairs. We knew to stay in our rooms and pretend to sleep should somebody check on us. He sees you when you're sleeping? He knows when you're awake? Ha! Try it!

On Christmas Morning, my father would come into my room to tell me Santa had arrived. That was nice, I would tell him. There was no doubt on my part. I knew I had been a good boy and Old Saint Nick would duly reward me. I would try to go back to sleep, but the rest of the family was waiting for me. Wait a minute. My parents were always talking about kids getting up so early, and now I was giving everyone, especially my parents, a chance to sleep in. Yet another Christmas present from me because I'm so wonderful. No such luck. I'm outvoted 4-1 and I get my robe to meet the rest of the family in the living room to see the plunder.

Christmas Parties at School and Christmas Specials

There was plenty to do for kids in the time leading up to the big night. Christmas specials would be on television. Rudolph, Frosty, Santa Claus is Coming to Town. These shows reminded us that Santa would be visiting soon, and going to bed meant being another day closer to that visit. Our schools had Christmas parties. Cookies and candy galore in the glorious days that reigned before dietary restrictions. Sixth graders at my elementary school got pizza! Heady days, indeed!

Some of the sights on our drive.

Mall Santa, Christmas Cards, and Christmas Food

My family would take the scenic route home. This meant a chance to see more houses decorated for the most wonderful time of the year. We went to the mall to get our picture taken with Santa Claus and, more importantly, tell him what we wanted for Christmas. Back then they took a Polaroid and stuck it in a card. It's a little more elaborate now.

Speaking of cards, the Christmas Cards our family received adorned the doorways in our home. It's a tradition I've continued in my house. I'm also proud to say my Christmas Card list is three pages long. I love sending them out. If I got your address at any time, you're getting a Christmas Card from me. Unlike Bob Rivers, sending them out is not a pain to me.

And food! Wonderful, glorious food! Our house was where family, friends, and neighbors stopped by on Christmas Eve for something to eat and a cup of cheer. There would be something in the crock pot, trays of hors d'oeuvres, cookies, pastry. Neighbors who stopped by would usually bring something to add to the table.  After everyone went home, we cleaned up the house and the family got a little rest before Christmas Morning. I would still be up, though, and go to Midnight Mass.

Good tidings sent
from friends and family

Christmas Morning Past and Present

Christmas Morning arrived and we would see the presents Santa left for us. After examining the finds, maybe we would take a short break for something to eat for breakfast. It was usually oranges and coffee cakes that were in our stockings. Later that day, we would visit our grandparents who lived on opposite sides of the city. My Mom's side for lunch, and my Dad's side for dinner. Present from grandparents, aunts, and uncles. My siblings and I were the only niece and nephews on Dad's side until I was fourteen. We got two Christmases. It was beautiful before our cousins screwed it up. After all the festivities, we would go home and have some time to play with our new toys before it was time for bed.

Now the children go to bed and Wife and I get everything ready. The elves return to the North Pole. We make sure nothing was forgotten when it comes to something for Santa and the reindeer. After ensuring everything is as it should be, we hustle to bed for precious hours of sleep before the children descend upon us and ask if we can see what Santa left us. Our door is usually closed, so I tell Wife they will go away if we don't make any sounds. Alas, the door is closed, but not unlocked, and they find their way into our room. We get out of bed and Christmas Morning begins. Presents are exchanged and opened. Children play with their new gifts. There may be a Christmas movie or special on TV. Later we pile into the car and drive to my in-laws where my mother-in-law has been working on a glorious Christmas Dinner. There are plenty of desserts to follow. After another day of merry making, we peel ourselves off the couch and roll out the the car. Wife and I, like parents everywhere, collapse into bed. Another Christmas wraps up. We congratulate each other before falling asleep.

Gifts waiting to be opened