This is a column I wrote in the Standard Times in 2017.
I sat down today to write my “Christmas column” and I tried to figure out exactly what I wanted to say. Should I write about the wonderful years with the Braley children waking up at 4 a.m. Christmas morning? The years of visiting classrooms to read Christmas books and drink hot chocolate?
I have friends who have lost loved ones who struggle at this time of year. I struggle since my stroke. Thank God I have strong boys, and girls, who now string the lights and carry in the tree.
Then I thought about the one thing we all have in common at this time of year —- memories.
Life may not be the way you want it to be this Christmas, but I hope you have wonderful memories. You may miss someone or not have the health that you want or maybe not the job and finances you want, but what about memories?
It all started for me this year when we brought out the Christmas decorations. My mom has been gone for a few years now but when she was alive she always enjoyed making ceramics. My house is decorated with many beautiful things my mother made. She made a nativity scene years ago that was passed down to me. I’ve always been amazed at the detail and when I see it every day and it reminds me of mom.
Christmas music has a magical way of triggering memories for us. I hear some songs that instantly take me back 30 years to when I was working with Joanie Pfeiffer at WMYS. We always had some long days leading up to Christmas recording special holiday greetings. Whenever I hear Dan Fogelberg or Karen Carpenter I remember the morning show and the soft rock.
What are your memories of the holiday? Do you have ornaments on your tree that have an interesting story behind them? It was fun a few weeks ago when we put up our tree. We have ornaments that the children made in elementary school that have their picture on them. We have a Christmas ball for each year the children were born and our first Christmas together and our first Christmas in our new home.
Do you remember Christmas when you were a child? I have little “snippets” of memories. Trying to get to sleep on Christmas eve; the excitement of coming downstairs on Christmas morning; being tired enough to go back to bed by 9 a.m. and eating mom’s fudge.
Church on Christmas eve has always been a wonderful time full of memories for me. My family has always gone to a 7 p.m. evening service, a candlelight service filled with readings and hymns. Last year we found a service on the Naval base in Oceanna. It ended with all of us singing “Silent Night” with just candlelight. That’s when I always think of my mother. For some reason that song, in the darkness, always brings me back. I can actually hear her singing.
Whatever is happening in your life, whether you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one, a health issue or any other struggle, I hope the memories bring you some warmth and comfort this Christmas.
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