Christmas Nostalgia

Most of us all have memories of Christmas....

I can remember quite a few as a kid growing up...and trust me, that was a long time ago!

When I was a kid, we didn't get a real tree too often. A green artifical one was out of the question...not sure why, but for years we has a small 4 foot or so aluminum christmas tree. Mom and Dad would put an electric color wheel in the corner, and I would be mesmerized watching the reflection of colors on the tree.

Mom and Dad weren't, and still aren't well off, but they always got us something for Christmas, no matter how bad things were. Even the time when Dad was laid off from work for over 3 years. I imagine they did without some things to do that, and that's what parents often do...

I know, because I am a parent of four!

I remember a few gifts as a kid, and for some reason, they stick out in my memory more than others...maybe because they were pretty simple. I got a bright red vinyl pocketbook and a rocking chair one year, and I have a vivid recollection of how exciting that gift was. Not sure why, but I felt so rich with that red pocketbook and sitting in that rocking chair!

One Christmas in particular sticks out in my mind as being one of the most thrilling I ever remember. That was the year that my parents got me a talking "Drowsy" doll. She had on pink polka dot pajamas, and short blonde hair cut in a "bowl" hairstyle. She had droopy eyes and she said different phrases when you pulled her string. I missed that doll after she no longer was around...but the funniest thing happened. ...

As an adult , I was driving into our neighborhood one day, and I saw this very same doll sitting out at a yard sale. Grant it, she was new, but the replica was exactly the same, except there was no string. You squeeze her and she talks. the exact phrases that the ancient relic did. I was thrilled to find her, and she has a special place on my library book shelf.

Now before you think I am a nutty middle aged lady who is regressing in her faculties to being a child, (Ok, at least I admit to the part of being a nutty middle aged lady!), just remember this:

Certain things we see or do often conjure up memories, good or bad- especially at certain times of the year. I guess that is why I bought that doll, because it made me remember a special Christmas when I was very young

I like thinking on the good things, just as the Bible instructs us to do. Negativity abounds in this world enough as it is, so dwelling on pleasant things is a good thing . We will stay happier and healthier , and we will be more fun to be around too!

Merry Christmas to all of you, God Bless!