Saturday, December 20, 2008

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!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a lovely blog Debbie.I always like hearing about favorite Christmas past.We always got a real tree my mother loved the smell and so did I.I myself now have a green artificial one since the girls are grown.I know exactly what you ment by feeling rich with the pocketbook.I remember those feelings.When I got my first barbie I was so excited.I felt so cool when I got a transistor radio with her,LOL.I love that drowsy doll to this day.I toally agree the more we keep our mindset on positive and upbeat mood the better off we all will be.God Bless and have a very nice Christmas as well.

Angela said...

So sweet...

LiPeony said...

Great Great message! I'm glad you found something that brings so much joy! I have kept all the little knickknacks on my desk shelf just to remind me of all my memories. =D

Ed said...

I love your blog, and I 100% agree with your comments - thinking about nice things gives us a 'feel good' factor which makes us happier inside and outside :-) Thank you for visiting my blog and your nice comments. xx

Pam said...

Aw:) very sweet!!

Chris said...

Oh my word Debbie what a wonderful find and such heartfelt memories you shared... Thank you it made me feel all warm and happy inside.
My Mum and Dad weren't well off either and as the eldest of seven I can remember being dissappointed that Santa couldn't always bring things I asked for... but one year without asking for her, I received a spanish doll who said Mama, she had the most beautiful flamenco dress and was almost as big as me... and oh how I loved her... she was such a delight to me and I remember crying because I was so overwhelmed at how good Santa had been to me (poor Mom's and Dad's they get no credit...lol) I would be overjoyed if I could find her again...believe me :D
oooh happy memories...sigh
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas this year too hun :D
hugs
Chris xx

Nat said...

I had that same doll, twice. That string got pulled so much..........loved her

Kristen H said...

My sister had a chatty cathy or chatty patty and I took her in the tub with me, not knowing she would never talk again. I was the youngest and accidently ruined alot of the older two's things. This is sweet though. She is real cute, I love those tired eyes.
Merry Christmas and God Bless!!!

Kristen H said...

My sister had a chatty cathy or chatty patty and I took her in the tub with me, not knowing she would never talk again. I was the youngest and accidently ruined alot of the older two's things. This is sweet though. She is real cute, I love those tired eyes.
Merry Christmas and God Bless!!!