Monday, December 23, 2013

Christmas Past

This time of year I always think back on the years when I was a little boy and Santa was a belief I held onto with all my might! I am # 5 of 6 kids that my parents had to raise. So with my Mother's younger Sister also living with us, It was a full house. And at this time of year, We had all the Holiday dinners at our house! All the relatives would gather at our house early on Christmas morning and cooking would go on until the meal was all ready to be eaten!
This was the second time of the year my Father would bake his world famous pies (the first time would be Thanksgiving!). It took him 3 full days to get them all right. There was the Apple and Cherry pies of course and the Mincemeat pies (two of each!) and my favorite Lemon Margarine!! He would make two of thees also, and make a small one just for me! He also fixed the Turkey and Stuffing and the Candied Yams (with lots of Marshmallows!!). He also made up lots of cinnamon pin wheels from the left over pie crust!

This is what I see with my minds eye as I look back. And things changed not long after that. My mother was hit by a car when I was about 6 or 7 and that started a down hill battle with Pain and Drugs that tore our family apart and now we are spread across the Country and do not see much of each other anymore.

My Mother died in 1975 and we lost Dad in 2005. My oldest Sister  past in1993 and we lost my oldest Brother Danny just this past July! So nothing stays the same. But the memories of a little boy do!

My Dad was really into Photography and he took Mega pictures over the years and when he pasted, I got some boxes that were full of them. The following is a picture of my younger Sister and I telling Santa what we wanted that year! This is one of the things I remember most!
Can you tell that I wanted Santa to really hear what I wanted! Maybe I was 5 or 6 in this one.
My minds eye see life back then a lot happier then it really was. To only be that little boy again!

Tom

4 comments:

  1. You were a cute little squirt! And very earnest about getting your point across to Santa. There are many times when I'd love to go back in time and enjoy the Christmas of my childhood again. Thanks for sharing your memories and a very Merry Christmas to you, Tom.

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    1. Thanks Susan,
      I do not know if I was cute, But what I was asking for must have been very important!
      I hope that your Christmas brings you much joy and happiness!
      Tom

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  2. Those precious memories are truly part of who we are. It's tough when things change, but our memories can be our treasures. I hope you had a very happy Christmas.

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    1. Leigh,
      Christmas was made even better by the publication of your book! That's the best present for this year! Ordered a copy yesterday and can't wait for it to come in!
      Tom

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