Christmas Stories

Homemade Christmas Cookies
Have a snack, read a story

Merry Christmas! Hope no one expects much thinking on my part this morning. I really thought yesterday that I might have contracted the "highly transmissible" Omicron variant, but this morning it's looking like I probably didn't. But I certainly had one of the hallmark symptoms: a nose that ran like a faucet. We were starting preliminary preparations for a quarantine. Then my "rapid test" was negative. Hope the test is sensitive to Omicron. They think it is. At least I probably don't have Delta. And this morning my nose is more like "you need to replace a couple of washers in there" than "there is no way you are turning that faucet off".

So, it looks like I have the worst head cold I have had in a long time. It's better than it was yesterday, and I am not really feeling very sick now, other than waking up with a headache. I didn't go to the emergency room, like a lot of COVID-positive asymptomatic Vermonters. What a miserable way to spend Christmas Eve!

Anyway, since I am impaired today, I thought I would start today's post with a couple of those maybe kinda sappy stories about how Christmas reminds us to look at people a little differently. From before the internet. And remember that this is an open thread, so you don't have to stay "on topic". Fortunately.

Do you have a better story that you like to read at Christmastime?

Santa is real:

I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit Grandma on the day my brother dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," he jeered. "Even dummies know that!"

My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.

Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" she snorted, "Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go."

"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kirby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kirby's.

I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping.

For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for.

I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church.

I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat! I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.

"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby."
The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.

That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it.

Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers.

Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going."

I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma.
Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.

Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were -- ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team.

I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95.

May you always have LOVE to share,
HEALTH to spare and FRIENDS that care...

And may you always believe in the magic of Santa Claus!

Nancy Adams

Another Christmas Story about a Rifle:

It was Christmas Eve 1942. I was fifteen years old and feeling like the world had caved in on me because there just hadn't been enough money to buy me the rifle that I'd wanted for Christmas.

We did the chores early that night for some reason. I just figured Daddy wanted a little extra time so we could read in the Bible. After supper was over I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the fireplace and waited for Daddy to get down the old Bible.

I was still feeling sorry for myself and, to be honest, I wasn't in much of a mood to read Scriptures. But Daddy didn't get the Bible instead he bundled up again and went outside. I couldn't figure it out because we had already done all the chores. I didn't worry about it long though I was too busy wallowing in self-pity.

Soon he came back in. It was a cold clear night out and there was ice in his beard. "Come on, Matt," he said. "Bundle up good, it's cold out tonight." I was really upset then. Not only wasn't I getting the rifle for Christmas, now he was dragging me out in the cold, and for no earthly reason that I could see. We'd already done all the chores, and I couldn't think of anything else that needed doing, especially not on a night like this. But I knew he was not very patient at one dragging one's feet when he'd told them to do something, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my coat. Mommy gave me a mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave the house. Something was up, but I didn't know what..

Outside, I became even more dismayed. There in front of the house was the work team, already hitched to the big sled. Whatever it was we were going to do wasn't going to be a short, quick, little job. I could tell. We never hitched up this sled unless we were going to haul a big load. Daddy was already up on the seat, reins in hand. I reluctantly climbed up beside him. The cold was already biting at me. I wasn't happy. When I was on, Daddy pulled the sled around the house and stopped in front of the woodshed. He got off and I followed.

"I think we'll put on the high sideboards," he said. "Here, help me." The high sideboards! It had been a bigger job than I wanted to do with just the low sideboards on, but whatever it was we were going to do would be a lot bigger with the high side boards on.

Then Daddy went into the woodshed and came out with an armload of wood - the wood I'd spent all summer hauling down from the mountain, and then all Fall sawing into blocks and splitting. What was he doing? Finally I said something. I asked, "what are you doing?" You been by the Widow Jensen's lately?" he asked. Mrs. Jensen lived about two miles down the road. Her husband had died a year or so before and left her with three children, the oldest being eight. Sure, I'd been by, but so what?

Yeah," I said, "Why?"

"I rode by just today," he said. "Little Jakey was out digging around in the woodpile trying to find a few chips. They're out of wood, Matt." That was all he said and then he turned and went back into the woodshed for another armload of wood. I followed him. We loaded the sled so high that I began to wonder if the horses would be able to pull it. Finally, he called a halt to our loading then we went to the smoke house and he took down a big ham and a side of bacon. He handed them to me and told me to put them in the sled and wait. When he returned he was carrying a sack of flour over his right shoulder and a smaller sack of something in his left hand.

"What's in the little sack?" I asked. Shoes, they're out of shoes. Little Jakey just had gunny sacks wrapped around his feet when he was out in the woodpile this morning. I got the children a little candy too. It just wouldn't be Christmas without a little candy."

We rode the two miles to Mrs. Jensen's pretty much in silence. I tried to think through what Daddy was doing. We didn't have much by worldly standards. Of course, we did have a big woodpile, though most of what was left now was still in the form of logs that I would have to saw into blocks and split before we could use it. We also had meat and flour, so we could spare that, but I knew we didn't have any money, so why was he buying them shoes and candy? Really, why was he doing any of this? Widow Jensen had closer neighbors than us; it shouldn't have been our concern.

We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as quietly as possible then we took the meat and flour and shoes to the door. We knocked. The door opened a crack and a timid voice said, "Who is it?" "Lucas Miles, Ma'am, and my son, Matt, could we come in for a bit?"

Mrs. Jensen opened the door and let us in. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were sitting in front of the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat at all. Mrs. Jensen fumbled with a match and finally lit the lamp.

"We brought you a few things, Ma'am," Daddy said and set down the sack of flour. I put the meat on the table. Then he handed her the sack that had the shoes in it. She opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out one pair at a time. There was a pair for her and one for each of the children - sturdy shoes, the best, shoes that would last. I watched her carefully. She bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling and then tears filled her eyes and started running down her cheeks. She looked up at my Daddy like she wanted to say something, but it wouldn't come out.

"We brought a load of wood too, Ma'am," he said. Then turned to me and said, "Matt, go bring in enough to last awhile. Let's get that fire up to size and heat this place up." I wasn't the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I had a big lump in my throat and as much as I hate to admit it, there were tears in my eyes too. In my mind I kept seeing those three kids huddled around the fireplace and their mother standing there with tears running down her cheeks with so much gratitude in her heart that she couldn't speak.

My heart swelled within me and a joy that I'd never known before filled my soul. I had given at Christmas many times before, but never when it had made so much difference. I could see we were literally saving the lives of these people.

I soon had the fire blazing and everyone's spirits soared. The kids started giggling when Daddy handed them each a piece of candy and Mrs.Jensen looked on with a smile that probably hadn't crossed her face for a long time. She finally turned to us. "God bless you," she said. "I know the Lord has sent you. The children and I have been praying that he would send one of his angels to spare us."

In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and the tears welled up in my eyes again. I'd never thought of my Daddy in those exact terms before, but after Widow Jensen mentioned it I could see that it was probably true. I was sure that a better man than Daddy had never walked the earth. I started remembering all the times he had gone out of his way for Mommy and me, and many others. The list seemed endless as I thought on it.

Daddy insisted that everyone try on the shoes before we left. I was amazed when they all fit and I wondered how he had known what sizes to get. Then I guessed that if he was on an errand for the Lord that the Lord would make sure he got the right sizes.

Tears were running down Widow Jensen's face again when we stood up to leave. My Daddy took each of the kids in his big arms and gave them a hug. They clung to him and didn't want us to go. I could see that they missed their Daddy and I was glad that I still had mine.

At the door he turned to Widow Jensen and said, "The Mrs. wanted me to invite you and the children over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. The turkey will be more than the three of us can eat, and a man can get cantankerous if he has to eat turkey for too many meals. We'll be by to get you about eleven. It'll be nice to have some little ones around again. Matt, here, hasn't been little for quite a spell." I was the youngest. My two brothers and two sisters had all married and had moved away.

Mrs. Jensen nodded and said, "Thank you, Brother Miles. I don't have to say, May the Lord bless you, I know for certain that He will."

Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I didn't even notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Daddy turned to me and said, "Matt, I want you to know something. Your Mother and me have been tucking a little money away here and there all year so we could buy that rifle for you, but we didn't have quite enough.

Then yesterday a man who owed me a little money from years back came by to make things square. Your Mom and me were real excited, thinking that now we could get you that rifle, and I started into town this morning to do just that, but on the way I saw little Jakey out scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I knew what I had to do. Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little candy for those children. I hope you understand."

I understood, and my eyes became wet with tears again. I understood very well, and I was so glad Daddy had done it. Now the rifle seemed very low on my list of priorities. He had given me a lot more. He had given me the look on Mrs. Jensen's face and the radiant smiles of her three children. For the rest of my life, Whenever I saw any of the Jensens, or split a block of wood, I remembered, and remembering brought back that same joy I felt riding home beside of my Daddy that night. He had given me much more than a rifle that night, he had given me the best Christmas of my life..

Harvey Patterson

Music

The Wexford Carol

Joy to the World

We Three Kings

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Hope your Christmas brings something nice.

This is the Thread before the Gardening Thread.

Serving your mid-day open thread needs

Posted by: K.T. at 11:12 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Merry Christmas, again. But we all deserve it.

Posted by: Tonypete at December 25, 2021 11:13 AM (mD/uy)

2 Merry Christmas, Tonypete

Posted by: KT at December 25, 2021 11:14 AM (0ghg2)

3 Merry Christmas.

Posted by: Cosda at December 25, 2021 11:15 AM (atwlt)

4 Merry Christmas Horde!!

Posted by: Jmel at December 25, 2021 11:15 AM (uNrlJ)

5 Bad news from the Bee:

Santa''s Sleigh Stuck In Line At Long Beach Harbor

Oh No! The Ghost Of Christmas Future Just Showed Up And He's Wearing A Full Hazmat Suit!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 25, 2021 11:16 AM (FVME7)

6 Merry Christmas, goyim of the Horde.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at December 25, 2021 11:17 AM (hQ23g)

7 Great stories K.T - thank you.

Posted by: Tonypete at December 25, 2021 11:19 AM (mD/uy)

8 Girthy post KT.

Merry Christmas...

Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at December 25, 2021 11:20 AM (BgMrQ)

9 Made Orange Sorbet and Vanilla Ice Cream is almost ready to go into the maker.

The Crockpots been going since the morning.

The house is starting to smell amazing.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 25, 2021 11:21 AM (WawF4)

10 Why are asymptomatic people going to the emergency room at all?

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at December 25, 2021 11:22 AM (nC+QA)

11 Amir Tsarfati: Where it All Began

https://www.youtube.com/
watchv=yLKHjm2165s&t=328s

Posted by: SMH at the wonder of His birth at December 25, 2021 11:23 AM (BQwGr)

12 I'm back in the old thread posting comment until my poor fingers bleed while everyone else is up here in the new thread? Really?

There was a day when people would NOOD around this place. Merry Christmas.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at December 25, 2021 11:24 AM (VxC1e)

13 Why are asymptomatic people going to the emergency room at all?
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at December 25, 2021 11:22 AM (nC+QA)

Fear.

Posted by: Jordan61 at December 25, 2021 11:25 AM (qxz9B)

14 10 Why are asymptomatic people going to the emergency room at all?
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at December 25, 2021 11:22 AM (nC+QA)

They broke their Leg?

Posted by: Romeo13 at December 25, 2021 11:25 AM (oHd/0)

15 @10

>>Why are asymptomatic people going to the emergency room at all?

Because a substantial number of people have had their minds destroyed by the plandemic.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 25, 2021 11:26 AM (WawF4)

16 I just by chance tried for a new thread.

Posted by: Skip at December 25, 2021 11:26 AM (2JoB8)

17 Merry Christmas everyone.

Posted by: Aetius451AD personal phone at December 25, 2021 11:30 AM (33O8j)

18 More Merry Christmas everyone

Posted by: Tuna at December 25, 2021 11:32 AM (gLRfa)

19 *sigh*

Willowed again.

Posted by: Jewells45 deplorablethug#FJB at December 25, 2021 11:32 AM (nxdel)

20 I have some trouble with 'crossover' Christmas music, it never quite works for me, it seems to superimpose a profit motive on something sacred. I make something of an exception for Jennifer Nettles

https://tinyurl.com/2yd577ss

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 25, 2021 11:32 AM (lDew/)

21 Why are asymptomatic people going to the emergency room at all?
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at December 25, 2021 11:22 AM (nC+QA)

Fear and stupidity are a bad combination.

When these combine you slap the shit out of the person and say "Get ahold of yourself man!".

More mimosas.

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at December 25, 2021 11:32 AM (6FtXF)

22 Fröhliche Weihnachten!

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at December 25, 2021 11:33 AM (ZSK0i)

23 Wow, those are great stories.

Posted by: t-bird at December 25, 2021 11:34 AM (2nFxy)

24 One of my most vivid memories of Christmas as a kid is when my Dad worked for Lockheed and he headed up the company's gift giveaway to needy kids. I went with him as they set up in an auditorium. There was a line of brand new bikes and dozens of other big ticket item toys filling the stage. Seeing all these things and knowing I wasn't getting any them was a very weird but neat feeling.

Posted by: Just a side note at December 25, 2021 11:36 AM (DAevm)

25 The Wexford Carol is possibly the loveliest old Carol ever. I am also partial to the Sussex Carol, On Christmas Night. Never heard either of them until I was an adult.

Also thanks to (I think) runner, who linked to Annie Lennox's God Rest ye Merry. Wonderful.

Merry Christmas, all!

Posted by: skywch at December 25, 2021 11:36 AM (sKjat)

26 G D bless us every one.

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 25, 2021 11:37 AM (yrol0)

27 my favorite version of the Wexford Carol - Alison Krauss:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxDZjg_Igoc

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 25, 2021 11:38 AM (evAgx)

28 Merry Christmas horde!

Posted by: Corona-exile lost in spaces at December 25, 2021 11:39 AM (nRx4i)

29 Dropped a couple Christmas stories downstairs, have to think of any others

Posted by: Skip at December 25, 2021 11:39 AM (2JoB8)

30 MANDATORY VIEWING FOR ALL AoS HORDE MEMBERS:

https://youtu.be/3rUTbdicays

You're welcome.

Posted by: Tex Lovera at December 25, 2021 11:40 AM (xgimV)

31 Great stories K.T - thank you.
Posted by: Tonypete at December 25, 2021 11:19 AM (mD/uy)

Indeed! Merry Christmas, one and all.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 25, 2021 11:41 AM (P3gRi)

32 (peeks in)
Howdy. Busy at work today. Heh, nah. Slow today, as expected.

Binging 'The Chosen'. It's different, not bad. The two Christmas episodes were pretty good. I'm half way done with Season 1.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at December 25, 2021 11:42 AM (xSnmX)

33 One year our church put together some things for a family which had lost a father/son (the kids moved in with the grandparents, as the mother was not very competent). I was chosen to deliver the boxes. They gave me a little glass angel. Almost started to cry. Two kindergarten boys lost fathers in traffic accidents that year.

Posted by: KT at December 25, 2021 11:44 AM (0ghg2)

34 You're welcome.
Posted by: Tex Lovera at December 25, 2021 11:40 AM (xgimV)

Heh!

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 25, 2021 11:44 AM (P3gRi)

35 Merry Christmas to all the Horde!!
May you be blessed with peace, prosperity, and freedom.

Posted by: RondinellaMamma Donald Trump is our duly elected president. at December 25, 2021 11:46 AM (l0Cy4)

36 Shame some have to work, hope if you do its the easiest day

Posted by: Skip at December 25, 2021 11:46 AM (2JoB8)

37 My mom told the story of her father (he died when she was 11) who ran a small general store during the Depression. One Christmas Eve a man with a family came with a load of cut evergreen trees asking my g'dad to buy them. The man's kids were with him, and G'dad could tell they needed the money. So he bought the trees so the kids would have a Christmas, even though he knew he would not be able to resell them to anyone at that late date.

Then later that day someone from the nearby country club came and bought the whole lot of them, to set up along the entrance for a party they were having that night.

Posted by: skywch at December 25, 2021 11:46 AM (sKjat)

38 Merry Christmas KT. Those two are among my favorite Christmas stories thanks so much for posting them.

Posted by: PaleRider at December 25, 2021 11:47 AM (3cGpq)

39
One year we tried to work out with our vet when he could come to the house for everyone's exam and vaccinations. The only day was Christmas. Didn't bother us, we have responsibilities every day. Didn't bother him, he was an Orthodox Jew. He came out and took care of everyone and we treated him to lunch.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at December 25, 2021 11:48 AM (/U27+)

40 Lovely stories KT. I had never read them before. Got a little dusty.

Posted by: Infidel at December 25, 2021 11:49 AM (qpolg)

41 19 *sigh*

Willowed again.

Posted by: Jewells45 deplorablethug#FJB at December 25, 2021 11:32 AM (nxdel)

I'm neck and neck with you. If someone wanted to read my comments just go to the bottom of a thread.

And Merry Christmas.

Posted by: Javems at December 25, 2021 11:49 AM (AmoqO)

42
I read the two stories. My wife only made it through the first.

Posted by: Traitor Joe's Military Surplus at December 25, 2021 11:49 AM (dQvv7)

43 A friend of mine's dad grew up in Illinois during the 30's. He said him and his brothers used to get blackbirds for Christmas as utes which they would then promptly cook and eat.

More mimosas.

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at December 25, 2021 11:49 AM (6FtXF)

44 @27

Lovely arrangement of that carol. Never heard it before. Thanks.

Posted by: Tuna at December 25, 2021 11:50 AM (gLRfa)

45 KT, would you mind dusting these threads before putting them up? `Cause I swear, I got some in my eye.

Posted by: Blake - semi lurker formerly of CA at December 25, 2021 11:51 AM (KnjSj)

46 Same to you Javems.

Posted by: Jewells45 deplorablethug#FJB at December 25, 2021 11:53 AM (nxdel)

47 275 Mmmm, just made scrambled eggs with ham and toast. Hot cup of tea.. feeling better. No movie today.
Posted by: Jewells45 deplorablethug#FJB at December 25, 2021 11:26 AM (nxdel)

You come down with a cold Jewells?

Posted by: PaleRider at December 25, 2021 11:53 AM (3cGpq)

48 today's version of the "no food, no heat, no shoes" story.

"and they only had a 2 year old old cell phone, and a small flat screen, and there internet only does 720p video."

Today we make it as "profitable" to stay home as to go out. But there are certainly still a lot of needs, especially if one considers the CRT hate being spread to break up families and neighborhoods. But good families are still being charitable. Nice stories. A nation of strong extended families is better than Government as the parent.

Posted by: illiniwek at December 25, 2021 11:53 AM (Cus5s)

49 willowed...

274
He did it on purpose: https://bit.ly/3Hg7k3H

Posted by: Clyde Shelton at December 25, 2021 11:18 AM (Do5/p)

Epic, Truly Epic. And YouTube hasn't taken it down yet?

Posted by: davidt at December 25, 2021 11:26 AM (gjH3l)

Posted by: davidt at December 25, 2021 11:53 AM (gjH3l)

50 Merry Christmas horde. I have another virus kicking my butt. Sucks to be sick at Christmas.

Posted by: rickb223 Pureblood - non-GMO at December 25, 2021 11:54 AM (XXnET)

51
Poached eggs on buttered toast. Bacon. More coffee.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at December 25, 2021 11:54 AM (/U27+)

52 He said him and his brothers used to get blackbirds for Christmas as utes which they would then promptly cook and eat.

Baked in a pie?

Posted by: t-bird at December 25, 2021 11:54 AM (UMXod)

53 In my area of North Illinois, there were random, anonymous gold coin donations in Salvation Army buckets. The ringers were as happy as though it was their own and announced it when they emptied the kettles. Nobody ever found out who started the tradition, but those anonymous gold coins became a real thing imitated by some others who could afford it and it remained anonymous to this day.

I miss that joy, both the giving and receiving.

Posted by: mustbequantum at December 25, 2021 11:57 AM (MIKMs)

54 Rum punch this morning is Christmas cheer, right?

Posted by: blaster at December 25, 2021 11:57 AM (m96l3)

55
I knew this young woman who was accepted into an accelerated teaching program. After earning sixty credits she could teach in a Philadelphia Catholic school. At the tender age of nineteen she began teaching third grade with a class of about 50 students. The pay was pretty shameful too, iirc correctly about $38.00 per week. With that she had to pay for gas for her car, bus rides, and her health insurance. But she loved the experience of teaching as it had always been her goal in life. Many of the children were very poor, without coats, gloves, scarves. Somehow she could always find a way to purchase them herself and add them to a child's bookbag, or just a paper bag with instructions for the child to take it home and give it to the child's mother.

More to add, because Pixy is a scrooge.

Posted by: Traitor Joe's Military Surplus at December 25, 2021 11:58 AM (dQvv7)

56
I miss that joy, both the giving and receiving.
Posted by: mustbequantum at December 25, 2021 11:57 AM (MIKMs)

________

All charity should be directed by the government.

/s

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at December 25, 2021 11:58 AM (/U27+)

57 Merry Christmas everyone - my work for the day is done...

The Kompat and cinnamon rolls were a big success for breakfast...

The presents were all a hit (and the boyfriend actually handmade presents for all of us since he was stuck here - a roleplaying wooden +4 "Dagger of Anything" being the uber-hit of those - and the loaded 6 sided die where you can't lose...he's really becoming a keeper. Gonna have to not push this, even though I really, really want to...

And the normal lunch tray was also a hit - I made a new cherry dip with the sour cherry juice from the jarred sour cherries that ended up great with the apples and pears (tofutti cream cheese, the juice, vanilla pudding mix, vaniila extract, and disoranno amaretto) and then the rest of the fam had the multi-cheese/meat/cracker tray while I had a vegan croissant ham sandwich with yesterday's ham.

Now, my fingers just need to do the Chinese ordering later...

Posted by: Nova local at December 25, 2021 11:59 AM (exHjb)

58 Merry Christmas. Thank you for those stories. I wish I had read them earlier in my life.

Posted by: MikeM at December 25, 2021 12:01 PM (X+eRS)

59 Beautiful stories and wonderful music selections. Thanks, KT, and Merry Christmas.

Posted by: JTB at December 25, 2021 12:01 PM (7EjX1)

60 Willowed:
Just an FYI for anyone dealing with compression socks, these work really well:

https://bit.ly/3qso68X
Posted by: Notsothoreau

I'd like to agree and recommend anyone who is taking a long drive or flying to wear compression socks.
When we visited my son and family in New Zealand I wore compression socks (walmart diabetic thigh high) and when I got back and went to a doctor's appt I mentioned wearing them. The PA said 'I wish I had thought of that before I flew to Thailand and got a DVT'.

And on that note I have to comment that there was a bit of dust in the air while reading KT's Christmas tales.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at December 25, 2021 12:02 PM (QR5m0)

61 One of my fondest Christmas was in the early aughts. My GF and I had no plans. Both our families lived far away. Nothing was open except gas stations. Not even fast food was open. So our Christmas dinner was gas station hot dogs and beer and we rented a bunch of movies (back in the DVD era) with Christmas themes. It was so very chill and simple, no family drama, no stress.

Posted by: Joe XiDen - I miss the Delta Variant at December 25, 2021 12:02 PM (pMHjj)

62 Unfortunately I don't have any "merry" Christmas day stories to re-call.

The one incident that sticks out in my mind goes back to 1965, and I was 29 (-19).

My oldest brother asked me to join him as he had to go "pick-up" a present from a downtown merchant...yeah, I'm gullible / naive.

So in the car, and on to downtown Cleveland. As we get near our supposed destination, I saw the marquee of the Palace theater announcing: Now Playing James Bond in THUNDERBALL !!!

I mentioned that "boy I'd love to see that". Much to my surprise my brother parked along Euclid Ave, and took me up to the theater. He purchased two tickets, and in we went.

(cont)

Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at December 25, 2021 12:03 PM (BgMrQ)

63 Thank you so much for those stories. Beautiful.

Merry Christmas to all.

Posted by: Forheremenaremen at December 25, 2021 12:03 PM (GMR0L)

64 (cont.)

I was shocked that we weren't picking up Mom's gift, and said so to my brother. His reply was that the store we were going to wasn't going to be open for a while, so we could pass the time by watching SOME OF THE MOVIE.

Some of the movie...some of the movie...SOME OF THE MOVIE...WHATTTTT!!!

I spent the whole damn movie, afraid that we would have to leave at any moment, and never relaxed enough to enjoy it. When I told my brother afterwards, he laughed...and not a "that's funny" laugh, it was more of a cynical - "ha, I gotcha" laugh.

I hold grudges, yes I do...

Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at December 25, 2021 12:04 PM (BgMrQ)

65 From yesterday but good article how this Con-Covid job was pulled over on the country
https://amgreatness.com/2021/12/24/bidens-omi-con-job/

Posted by: Skip at December 25, 2021 12:05 PM (2JoB8)

66 The only day was Christmas. Didn't bother us, we have responsibilities every day. Didn't bother him, he was an Orthodox Jew. He came out and took care of everyone and we treated him to lunch.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh

Did you serve Chinese food?

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at December 25, 2021 12:06 PM (QR5m0)

67 @browndog..admit it, you're jealous that he got you and it wasn't the other way around.

Posted by: Blake - semi lurker formerly of CA at December 25, 2021 12:07 PM (KnjSj)

68 Continued;

At Christmas she would receive a bounty of homemade cookies as the way for the parents to show their appreciation. She also would tutor after school for no charge. Most days, that was every day.

Eventually she met a nice guy who proposed to her and they set a wedding date of the day after Thanksgiving. A mimeographed flyer was sent to all of her present and former students inviting them to the candlelight full mass. As a CCD teacher at the church she had a certain ability to get the mass she wanted.

The young man was embarrassed as he stood at the altar and saw hundreds of children with their parents on the brides side of the church filling that side of the church to the maximum, while the grooms side was only a few rows deep. But I got over it.

Posted by: Traitor Joe's Military Surplus at December 25, 2021 12:08 PM (dQvv7)

69 A friend of mine's dad grew up in Illinois during the 30's. He said him and his brothers used to get blackbirds for Christmas as utes which they would then promptly cook and eat.

More mimosas.
Posted by: Hairyback Guy at December 25, 2021 11:49 AM (6FtXF)

I've been reading Luke this month. For the first time I read 12:6 "Are not 5 sparrows are sold for 2 pennies, yet not one of them is forgotten by God" and thought. If they are selling sparrows at market it would be for food. Whoa, mind blown at the thought of work to food ratio that would entail.

Posted by: PaleRider at December 25, 2021 12:08 PM (3cGpq)

70 67 @browndog..admit it, you're jealous that he got you and it wasn't the other way around.
Posted by: Blake - semi lurker formerly of CA at December 25, 2021 12:07 PM (KnjSj)

He was 18, getting one over on a ten year old.

A trait he continued to pull...ehhh, today is not for the airing of grievances.

My apologies

Do better browndog, #dobetter

sorry

Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at December 25, 2021 12:09 PM (BgMrQ)

71 It is sleeting here. We are going to have a slick Christmas

Posted by: Kindltot at December 25, 2021 12:11 PM (ZMraq)

72 My merriest Christmases were when my sister and I were young. My parents had a tradition that Santa didn't just bring the presents, he brought everything.

They would send us to bed early on Christmas Eve then go to work. They put up the tree they had purchased on the sly and hid in the neighbors yard, decorated it, decorated the house including the outdoor lights, hung the stockings and put out all the presents.

When my sister and I went downstairs on Christmas morning it was like magic. I could never figure out why my dad would fall asleep on the couch while my sister and I opened our presents.

Now I'm off to see mom. Have a great Christmas all.

Posted by: JackStraw at December 25, 2021 12:11 PM (ZLI7S)

73 Love it Jack. I think that is still a thing in Europe. Maybe not all decorating but setting up the tree overnight for kiddos.

Posted by: PaleRider at December 25, 2021 12:15 PM (3cGpq)

74 One Christmas, the exact model motorcycle I wanted appeared in my driveway. ?! The neighbor's wife woulda killed him for buying it, so he hid it there, and sold it to me at a good price.

Posted by: Commissar of Plenty and Lysenko gender fluid at December 25, 2021 12:16 PM (ZlDf4)

75 Soups ready, bread getting sliced and the apple pie wine is flowing! Happy Christmas everbody!

Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at December 25, 2021 12:16 PM (Vxu+H)

76
A trait he continued to pull...ehhh, today is not for the airing of grievances.
My apologies
Do better browndog, #dobetter
sorry
Posted by: browndog

The tale was good. I'd call him today and let him know you'll get him back someday for that prank. It'll give him a laugh and years of anguish!

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at December 25, 2021 12:16 PM (QR5m0)

77 Big families, big Christmases, until my grandpa died. I look back now and can see what a matriarch he was. I do miss it.

The power of family.

Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at December 25, 2021 12:17 PM (Fs5vw)

78 Merry Christmas, KT (aka Santa's helper) and the Horde!

Posted by: olddog in mo at December 25, 2021 12:18 PM (ju2Fy)

79 Patriarch. Sheesh.

Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at December 25, 2021 12:19 PM (Fs5vw)

80 Someone's cutting onions again! Merry christmas everyone!

Posted by: JohnFNotKerry at December 25, 2021 12:20 PM (iPbC0)

81 the wife has a side hustle of end of life hospice care. She has case now where the husband is at the Dauchau stage of Alzheimer's. The wife is showing signs of demetia or is cracking from the strain. The husband got out of bed last night and fell. The Foley catheter pulled out and he was cut up. The wife sent us a picture and called my wife hysterical. Miss Janet arrived, picked him up and put him in bed, cleaned and dressed his cuts and reinstalled the catheter. God bless Miss Janet and all those who do this work

Posted by: Jamaica Queens at December 25, 2021 12:20 PM (b+v9B)

82 Patriarch. Sheesh.
Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons

Glad you corrected that... I noted, in this day age, he might have traded pronouns...

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at December 25, 2021 12:20 PM (QR5m0)

83 We were pretty poor when I was growing up, my father died when I was young and left us in a pile of debt. My mom pulled herself together and got a job as a secretary in the States Attys office, where she worked with lots of lawyers and cops. She made just below the poverty level, I discovered later. Yet every year there was a nice selection of gifts for me under the tree. Took me a long time to realize those most likely came from the largess of the people she worked with, who knew our situation. No way could she have done that herself.

Posted by: TecumsehTea at December 25, 2021 12:21 PM (BjGT6)

84 We used to visit grandparents and stay a few nights when I was little. They had the silver colored aluminum needles artificial tree and a lot of the ornaments were quite vintage as well. Not fancy and delicate antique glass, just vintage metal and whatnot so we kids could help decorate the tree.

Posted by: PaleRider at December 25, 2021 12:22 PM (3cGpq)

85
Big families, big Christmases, until my grandpa died. I look back now and can see what a matriarch he was.

Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at December 25, 2021 12:17 PM

The transsexual community wipes a collective tear from their eyes as a way of applauding one of the brave pioneers of the movement.

Posted by: Traitor Joe's Military Surplus at December 25, 2021 12:22 PM (dQvv7)

86 72 My merriest Christmases were when my sister and I were young. My parents had a tradition that Santa didn't just bring the presents, he brought everything.

They would send us to bed early on Christmas Eve then go to work. They put up the tree they had purchased on the sly and hid in the neighbors yard, decorated it, decorated the house including the outdoor lights, hung the stockings and put out all the presents.

When my sister and I went downstairs on Christmas morning it was like magic. I could never figure out why my dad would fall asleep on the couch while my sister and I opened our presents.

Now I'm off to see mom. Have a great Christmas all.
Posted by: JackStraw at December 25, 2021 12:11 PM (ZLI7S)

My parents did that, too...but they also made it all disappear on NYE, so we only got to play with the train for one week - that sucked.

It's why I keep my tree up from Black Friday to MLK Day every year b/c I want the dang thing for more than a week...

Posted by: Nova local at December 25, 2021 12:22 PM (exHjb)

87 Merry Christmas to Ace, each co-blogger, each of the Horde, and everyone y'all love!

Posted by: callsign claymore at December 25, 2021 12:22 PM (bTMO0)

88 Started some bacon and sausages in the skillet. Looks like the clouds are breaking up. We may get some sunshine today.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 25, 2021 12:23 PM (P3gRi)

89 It's Christmas. You're not supposed to make me cry.

Posted by: Bill R. at December 25, 2021 12:23 PM (wzzJf)

90
Glad you corrected that... I noted, in this day age, he might have traded pronouns...
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at December 25, 2021 12:20 PM (QR5m0)

LOL. I always wondered why grandma seemed so jealous.

Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at December 25, 2021 12:24 PM (Fs5vw)

91 Beautiful thread, KT

Posted by: CN...FJB at December 25, 2021 12:27 PM (ONvIw)

92 Hubby has a cold / cough - started a few days ago in wdw.
He hasn't mentioned wanting a covid test

Posted by: vmom - link to Red's fundraiser at December 25, 2021 12:28 PM (FcPY7)

93 My kids still talk about buying presents for their 'friends' every year from the Salvation Army gift tree at my office. Every year I would pick same age/sex kids and my kids and I would go shopping. Thank goodness they had a price limit because my kids wanted the best for their 'friends'.

Helped lower some of the greed factor with my crew knowing that those kids really needed extra help.

Posted by: mustbequantum at December 25, 2021 12:29 PM (MIKMs)

94 KT, those stories are lovely. Thank you.

Posted by: vmom - link to Red's fundraiser at December 25, 2021 12:30 PM (FcPY7)

95 My daughter and her new husband and their blended family of 5 kids are living here this year. Wow, that's 9 people (and 3 cats). The people at church somehow got the idea that these poor "homeless" kids would not have a good Christmas so they went nuts. I have never seen so many presents in my entire life. I owe them all a huge thank you.

Posted by: alo89 at December 25, 2021 12:31 PM (tJj1y)

96 As said downstairs it was Christmas Eve as much as Christmas day, maybe it was together a big long day that I looked forward to all year.

Posted by: Skip at December 25, 2021 12:31 PM (2JoB8)

97 Traitor Joe's

What a lovely story. Your wife sounds like a gem.

Posted by: Infidel at December 25, 2021 12:31 PM (qpolg)

98 It's extremely dusty in here. Thank you for the wonderful stories.

Posted by: Happy at December 25, 2021 12:31 PM (LnBr6)

99 Merry Christmas Mom. Hope the hubby's cold clears up quickly. I remember a saying from the before times. Take all the remedies and a cold will last 6 days, Do nothing and it will last a week. But I do think zinc and D, etc are useful to lessen symptoms while colds run their course.

Posted by: PaleRider at December 25, 2021 12:32 PM (3cGpq)

100 25 ... "Also thanks to (I think) runner, who linked to Annie Lennox's God Rest ye Merry. Wonderful."

Interesting. Her arrangement of the old classic with that quasi-Renaissance sound is excellent. As a bonus, she uses a key that lets me sing along about three octaves lower.

Posted by: JTB at December 25, 2021 12:32 PM (7EjX1)

101 That second story was a 6-Kleenex story for me.
Thank you for the stories, KT.

Posted by: m at December 25, 2021 12:32 PM (SSiCQ)

102 I remember too when the Christmas meal was done, the men would gather on the porch while the womenfolk cleaned up.

Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at December 25, 2021 12:34 PM (Fs5vw)

103 Arghhh. Autocucumber ate my V VMOM. Sheesh I'm pretty sure I am older than she is.

Posted by: PaleRider at December 25, 2021 12:34 PM (3cGpq)

104 When the kids were little we had a rule they could open their stockings before the adults got up.
The reason for the rule: we never put anything under the tree until they were in bed, and we wrapped (and built) everything before going to bed ourselves.
We were lucky to get to bed before 3am some years.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at December 25, 2021 12:34 PM (QR5m0)

105 27 ... "my favorite version of the Wexford Carol - Alison Krauss:"

Tom Servo,

The Wexford Carol is beautiful but the Alison Krauss and Yo Yo Ma rendition you linked to is beyond exquisite. I listen to it all year long.

Posted by: JTB at December 25, 2021 12:35 PM (7EjX1)

106 browndog, nice to run across another Cleveland native here at AoS.

Posted by: Gibson Girl at December 25, 2021 12:36 PM (KXY4V)

107 AZ, we had "you can open one present on Christmas eve".

Posted by: PaleRider at December 25, 2021 12:38 PM (3cGpq)

108 I remember too when the Christmas meal was done, the men would gather on the porch while the womenfolk cleaned up.
=====

I really miss my grandma because she demanded that the boys do the cleanup (my dad excepted because he was the main cook and we brought everything over to her house).

Posted by: mustbequantum at December 25, 2021 12:38 PM (MIKMs)

109 At my grandmother's Christmas eve all presents from relatives were opened, often hauling more toys home than opened at home the next day.

Posted by: Skip at December 25, 2021 12:39 PM (2JoB8)

110 AZ, we had "you can open one present on Christmas eve".
Posted by: PaleRider

That was us too.

Posted by: Infidel at December 25, 2021 12:41 PM (qpolg)

111 Posted by: Jamaica Queens at December 25, 2021 12:20 PM (b+v9B).

Indeed, God bless your wife and all who do hospice care.

Posted by: PaleRider at December 25, 2021 12:41 PM (3cGpq)

112 109 At my grandmother's Christmas eve all presents from relatives were opened, often hauling more toys home than opened at home the next day.
Posted by: Skip at December 25, 2021 12:39 PM (2JoB

I got a lot Sunday clothes from my relatives. I didn't like Sunday clothes. Still don't.

Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at December 25, 2021 12:43 PM (Fs5vw)

113 Posted by: PaleRider at December 25, 2021 12:32 PM (3cGpq)

Thanks! He is taking a bunch of vitamins and stuff

Posted by: vmom - link to Red's fundraiser at December 25, 2021 12:43 PM (FcPY7)

114 AZ, we had "you can open one present on Christmas eve".
Posted by: PaleRider

That was us too.
Posted by: Infidel at December 25, 2021 12:41 PM (qpolg)

And it was always new PJs.

Posted by: Diogenes at December 25, 2021 12:43 PM (axyOa)

115 I have a lot of stories but nothing really comes to mind about Christmas. One warm memory comes to mind. When about 10 I recall waking up late at night on Christmas eve and sneaking into the living room and scouting out my gifts. I was a good kid and seldom broke the rules. Went back to bed happy.

Posted by: Javems at December 25, 2021 12:43 PM (AmoqO)

116 I had one year, in high school, when I got a pair of leather fur lined gloves. That was it. My mom had been in a bad car accident. We were living on 60% of her secretary's salary in California. To say money was scarce is an understatement. But she bought the gloves for me, so I could have something for Christmas. It's not how expensive the present is that is important. It's the thought behind it.

Posted by: Notsothoreau - look forward at December 25, 2021 12:44 PM (5HBd1)

117 Gave away
my Christmas coat,1967,age7
& upset my mom,who worked
very hard for every morsel.
There was,a girl in my class,
thin,pale,blue lips,shivering,
so I put on my gift,walked
to her door,knocked + hand it over,
wordlessly. Then,home to face
the music. No one liked my
moral choice,that day.

Posted by: zigzag at December 25, 2021 12:45 PM (PpLq2)

118 browndog, nice to run across another Cleveland native here at AoS.
Posted by: Gibson Girl

Did either of you two make it to Hallie's to see Mr. Jingaling?

Posted by: Tonypete at December 25, 2021 12:47 PM (mD/uy)

119 106 browndog, nice to run across another Cleveland native here at AoS.
Posted by: Gibson Girl at December 25, 2021 12:36 PM (KXY4V)

***fist bump***

Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at December 25, 2021 12:49 PM (BgMrQ)

120 And it was always new PJs.
Posted by: Diogenes

Ha. That or the clothes from g and g when we weren't with them.

Posted by: Infidel at December 25, 2021 12:50 PM (qpolg)

121 Interesting. Her arrangement of the old classic with that quasi-Renaissance sound is excellent. As a bonus, she uses a key that lets me sing along about three octaves lower.
Posted by: JTB at December 25, 2021 12:32 PM (7EjX1)

I really liked that as well! That's an old hurdy-gurdy playing the drone sound in the background, you never hear those these days.

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 25, 2021 12:50 PM (evAgx)

122 There were ten of us in the little house when I was a kid - both Mom and Dad worked midnights but things were always tight. Somehow, there was a monster pile of things under the tree every year.

I don't know how they did it.

Posted by: Tonypete at December 25, 2021 12:50 PM (mD/uy)

123 118 browndog, nice to run across another Cleveland native here at AoS.
Posted by: Gibson Girl

Did either of you two make it to Hallie's to see Mr. Jingaling?
Posted by: Tonypete at December 25, 2021 12:47 PM (mD/uy)

Oh lord TP, I think I told the story of meltdown prior to going on his TV show.

Not one of my better moments...much to my parents chagrin.

Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at December 25, 2021 12:51 PM (BgMrQ)

124 About four years ago, i had to get stitched up at the ER before sunrise on Christmas morning. hohoho

Posted by: weirdflunky at December 25, 2021 12:51 PM (cknjq)

125 zigzag, what a nice thing you did.

Posted by: Infidel at December 25, 2021 12:52 PM (qpolg)

126 About four years ago, i had to get stitched up at the ER before sunrise on Christmas morning. hohoho
Posted by: weirdflunky

Badge of Honor!

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at December 25, 2021 12:54 PM (QR5m0)

127 Got some dust in me own eyes reading that Patterson story. Some neighbors did the same for my mother and us boys in the early 70's after my Dad left us for another woman. Have spent my life serving our friends and neighbors as well.

Keep staying strong everyone! What cannot go on will not go on - the Left is losing badly and they know it hence the constant attacks on conservatives(the middle class).

Posted by: Danimal28 at December 25, 2021 12:54 PM (iyWcU)

128 I used to do the Christmas angels to get myself more in a Christmas mood as I usually had bah humbug for at least the first half of the December. I gave it up, it got too stressful, especially for the tweens and teens having no idea as an old maid whether I was buying the equivalent of Ralphies pink bunny suit plus hating the crowds and the trees got harder to find. But they did help me kick the humbug to the curb at a time when I needed that help.

Posted by: PaleRider at December 25, 2021 12:55 PM (3cGpq)

129 Tonypete, no, I never went to Halle's for Christmas. My mother has told us stories about going downtown for Christmas (she's 86.) Did go to the Christmas craft show at the I-X Center this year, though, and there was Mr. Jingaling at a Halle's display, even though Halle's hasn't been around for years.

Posted by: Gibson Girl at December 25, 2021 12:58 PM (KXY4V)

130 I am watching "My Cousin Vinny". Is this a Xmas Movie?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 25, 2021 12:58 PM (Irn0L)

131 Ten of you in the house?

That's an old joke from Brooklyn circa 1960. How do you do a census of the Italian population?

Count the basement windows and multiply by ten.

Posted by: Shep! at December 25, 2021 01:00 PM (JPtHE)

132 Loved the stories KT!

love the stories in the gray boxes too!

My prime rib is browned and in the crockpot. Hope this works!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Posted by: Iris at December 25, 2021 01:00 PM (6lKe4)

133 Back when the FNM used to run some happy stories they would have segments on Jewish HCWs, many volunteered to work Christmas eve and day as a Mitzvah ? so Christian staff could be with family. Very nice gesture. They probably still do this, I just haven't caught any stories highlighting it lately.

Posted by: PaleRider at December 25, 2021 01:01 PM (3cGpq)

134 I remember one Christmas in elementary school. We never had a lot of money. I was one of those kids that always looked at tags and shook boxes. I was disappointed there weren't many. Somehow santa came. After gifts were opened mom asked dad to take down the decoration from the ceiling. At that time I think it was gas heat and the registers were round discs in the ceiling with a little pull down chain to open the vents. Anyway, mom had hung a "Christmas" decoration from it.

Dad got it down and gave it to me. Mom said open it.
It was the most beautiful white fur hat with little black tips I had ever seen.

Miss you mom and dad.

Posted by: Infidel at December 25, 2021 01:01 PM (qpolg)

135 I am watching "My Cousin Vinny". Is this a Xmas Movie?
Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 25, 2021 12:58 PM (Irn0L)

Switched to Gremlins since I have the hots for Phoebe Cates

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 25, 2021 01:04 PM (Irn0L)

136
Dad got it down and gave it to me. Mom said open it.
It was the most beautiful white fur hat with little black tips I had ever seen.

Miss you mom and dad.

Posted by: Infidel at December 25, 2021 01:01 PM

I can picture that hat. Nice story.

Posted by: Traitor Joe's Military Surplus at December 25, 2021 01:04 PM (dQvv7)

137 Thanks Traitor Joe's. Unexpectedly made me tear up remembering that.

Posted by: Infidel at December 25, 2021 01:06 PM (qpolg)

138 After 20 years of working in the mills, my Dad went back to Kent State to get his teaching certificate. (that's a story in and of itself) He then accepted a teaching spot at a vocational high school in a very poor county upstate. He would always do home visits of every one of his students to get a read on what they were dealing with and it was very instructive, to say the least. Around Christmas time, he'd take me and my oldest sis with him as he made the rounds delivering gift baskets to the neediest of his students' families.

I had never seen dirt floors in a building before that wasn't a chicken coop or pig sty. I also learned that you never bought big, monster frozen turkeys for those families - most of them didn't have an oven big enough to cook them and, even if they did, the electricity was more often than not, shut off.

Dad didn't talk much and was one of the hardest men I ever knew but you could tell these folks' situations got him right in the feels.

Posted by: Tonypete at December 25, 2021 01:07 PM (mD/uy)

139 115 I have a lot of stories but nothing really comes to mind about Christmas. One warm memory comes to mind. When about 10 I recall waking up late at night on Christmas eve and sneaking into the living room and scouting out my gifts. I was a good kid and seldom broke the rules. Went back to bed happy.
Posted by: Javems at December 25, 2021 12:43 PM (AmoqO)

My brother and I did this when we were about 8. His idea, I was not a risk-taker. Found I much preferred the surprise to the preview. Good to know...

Posted by: sal at December 25, 2021 01:08 PM (bJKUl)

140 Merry Christmas Horde. Taking a timeout from watching the younguns. Much happy frenzy going on here.

Posted by: kraken at December 25, 2021 01:08 PM (4Zol0)

141 Watching World's Strongest Man competition. No trans men.

Seems racist

Posted by: weirdflunky at December 25, 2021 01:10 PM (cknjq)

142 Last night was a very good Xmas memory. The kids came over with their husbands and my soon to be grandson inside the oven, everyone had a good time, and we sent the kids home with a lot of food.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 25, 2021 01:10 PM (Irn0L)

143 Gosh, my Christmas memories would fill a very large book! And they are all good. Heck, told my very adult children if it weren't for them, I'd never have had a new wallet.

Posted by: Some Rat at December 25, 2021 01:10 PM (r1z5A)

144 Just eating my Christmas brekkie of sausages and bacon ends, plus hash browns, and eggs. Will probably need a nap later.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 25, 2021 01:10 PM (P3gRi)

145 Wrapping presents now and I can't remember which earrings are for which of the ladies.
I might be in trouble.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at December 25, 2021 01:11 PM (QR5m0)

146 Watching World's Strongest Man competition. No trans men.

Seems racist
Posted by: weirdflunky at December 25, 2021 01:10 PM (cknjq)

But they are all future Olympic gold medalists in wimmens' swimming.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 25, 2021 01:12 PM (P3gRi)

147 Well, presents are all unwrapped got lots of goodies. Spent time with my kids and hubby. Son just left. Time for a nap!

Posted by: Jewells45 deplorablethug#FJB at December 25, 2021 01:12 PM (nxdel)

148 Ho ho ho

Delta canceled my flight twice. Had to do a backwards hop to LAX for a third try, so Im further away than when I started

Now stuck at the gate for over an hour with engine trouble

Peace and goodwill and all

Posted by: Ignoramus at December 25, 2021 01:13 PM (eHK2I)

149 Tonypete, which county? I'm in Lorain, which I'm sure has seen some hard times.

Posted by: Gibson Girl at December 25, 2021 01:13 PM (KXY4V)

150 Christmas Garden Thread Nood!

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at December 25, 2021 01:14 PM (QR5m0)

151 Now stuck at the gate for over an hour with engine trouble

Peace and goodwill and all

Posted by: Ignoramus

Heh! Engine trouble on the ground is WAY better than the alternative. Hoping your trip straightens out!

Posted by: Some Rat at December 25, 2021 01:14 PM (r1z5A)

152 141 Watching World's Strongest Man competition. No trans men.

Seems racist
Posted by: weirdflunky

My favorite thing on tv, hands down.

Posted by: April -- dash my lace wigs! at December 25, 2021 01:15 PM (OX9vb)

153 According to this commercial, I see that all ya'll gals are now embracing ambition. ok cool.

Posted by: weirdflunky at December 25, 2021 01:16 PM (cknjq)

154 Tonypete, which county? I'm in Lorain, which I'm sure has seen some hard times.
Posted by: Gibson Girl

Portage but yeah, Lorain has it's areas that have seen hard times.

Posted by: Tonypete at December 25, 2021 01:18 PM (mD/uy)

155
Heck, told my very adult children if it weren't for them, I'd never have had a new wallet.

Posted by: Some Rat at December 25, 2021 01:10 PM

That was my grandmothers job to give out brand new wallets to all the grandsons. So my brother and I got the identical wallet for Christmas one year. I was working and had money in mine, while he was five years younger and had no money. Zero. Nothing but a black and white photograph of a nice looking family that came with the wallet.

Ever go out on a date to a restaurant, have a great meal, open your wallet to pay, and discover you've accidentally picked up the wrong wallet?

* talk about shrinkage *

Posted by: Traitor Joe's Military Surplus at December 25, 2021 01:18 PM (dQvv7)

156 K.T.

Merry Christmas!

And that second story. Wow. Dusty in here.

Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at December 25, 2021 01:19 PM (u82oZ)

157 Thank you for the great stories kt. That second one got me pretty choked up.

Merry Christmas to the Horde.

Posted by: cfo mom at December 25, 2021 01:24 PM (Q8bDL)

158 Thank you KT. That second one really hits the feels.

Posted by: Infidel at December 25, 2021 01:26 PM (qpolg)

159 Big families, big Christmases, until my grandpa died. I look back now and can see what a matriarch he was. I do miss it.

The power of family.
Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons

*fist bump

Posted by: rickb223 Pureblood - non-GMO at December 25, 2021 01:28 PM (XXnET)

160 Merry Christmas, everybody.

Posted by: Notorious BFD at December 25, 2021 01:29 PM (Xrfse)

161 Watching a show on tv re the shooting of Reagan and Pope John Paul II. Those were some interesting times.

Posted by: Infidel at December 25, 2021 01:33 PM (qpolg)

162 Merry Christmas everyone!

Posted by: dartist at December 25, 2021 01:38 PM (+ya+t)

163 A funny Christmas story:
When I was a young married woman, my grandmother gave me her ANRI miniature Nativity that I had always loved. This was the kind with the two-dimensional figures, but instead of the usual Tyrolean shack, they were in sort of Italianesque ruin.
I decided that I wanted to make a large replica of this to use as our family Nativity, as the bread dough set was on its last legs. But I wanted to do it all by myself.

So, I measured and did the math (not a strength- ask anyone) and made my blueprints. Graph paper was involved. Then I scavenged the scrap bin at the family business, cut everything out (figures are hard without a jigsaw!) and fastened it all together and plastered it and painted it at the warehouse. I took the figures home and painted them during naptimes, a bit at a time.

At last it was all done and we arranged it on the bookcase,
and stepped back to get a good look.

"Is it just me, or does that really look like-?"
"Yes, yes it does."

We used it for years, and in all that time all visitors were too kind to ask why the Holy Family was staying in the Alamo.

Posted by: sal at December 25, 2021 01:41 PM (bJKUl)

164 I "tithe" my own Projects.
>my Best Investment,was a
GreenCard Lottery winner:
who was STUCK,under skill-level
due to Ancestor-Obligations
from Homeland.
All he needed was
Computer Certificate,he
knew the systems.

Posted by: zigzag at December 25, 2021 01:41 PM (OKRo/)

165 We used it for years, and in all that time all visitors were too kind to ask why the Holy Family was staying in the Alamo.
Posted by: sal

Love it!

Posted by: rickb223 Pureblood - non-GMO at December 25, 2021 01:44 PM (XXnET)

166 164

Perplexing

Posted by: April -- dash my lace wigs! at December 25, 2021 01:45 PM (OX9vb)

167 Merry Christmas all. Just staying at home with wife today. Watching "A Christmas Story" of course.

Posted by: Ronster at December 25, 2021 01:47 PM (1L+rV)

168 I am watching "My Cousin Vinny". Is this a Xmas Movie?
Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 25, 2021 12:58 PM (Irn0L)

It's only the best trial movie ever made. And I believe the Sack O' Suds was robbed in the summer.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at December 25, 2021 01:48 PM (VxC1e)

169 God bless Miss Janet and all those who do this work
Posted by: Jamaica Queens

Amen.

Posted by: rickb223 Pureblood - non-GMO at December 25, 2021 01:50 PM (XXnET)

170 We used it for years, and in all that time all visitors were too kind to ask why the Holy Family was staying in the Alamo.
Posted by: sal

Ha, nice story. Especially if you didn't live in TX.

Posted by: Infidel at December 25, 2021 01:50 PM (qpolg)

171 Merry Christmas all. Just staying at home with wife today. Watching "A Christmas Story" of course.
Posted by: Ronster at December 25, 2021 01:47 PM (1L+rV)

Does he get his rifle? Wait, don't spoil it.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at December 25, 2021 01:52 PM (VxC1e)

172 my grandparents stretched
a small income,that is my
Inspiration. Also,reading
about Elon Musk,he makes
things happen,no excuses!
>recent=Put Effort into a
Worthy Cause: notice
coworker w/weak Battery.
Rrr Rrr, in parking-lot.
Why,others,Not see that!?
the Dollars I spent to Help
are my best,happiest $.

Posted by: zigzag at December 25, 2021 01:53 PM (OKRo/)

173 Everywhere,every Day,
there are Opportunities
to Lend a Hand.
>my latest Project,is clearing
overflow-trash from local
shopping center
(no Donation,just Bend
+ pick-up)
>my stray-thoughts are,
searching for other projects.
ACE + commenters
are Great Uplifting Force!

Posted by: zigzag at December 25, 2021 02:07 PM (xy7nM)

174 Wrapping presents now and I can't remember which earrings are for which of the ladies.
I might be in trouble.
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at December 25, 2021 01:11 PM (QR5m0)

Might?

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at December 25, 2021 02:20 PM (tkq2N)

175 I hope you choose wisely.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at December 25, 2021 02:21 PM (tkq2N)

176 RE: Santa graphic.

I think there are certain number of socialists with upper end of middling to very high intellects. They're the ones running our government. They don't believe in it, of course. They have a will to power, and it's the clearest path.

But the reason the path is so clear is that dull-witted peasants and dull-witted urban elites share one thing in common: a belief that they are very much better than they are. It's not a belief that Santa will come. It's a belief that they should rob their wealthy neighbors, down to the last penniless, degraded kulak.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at December 25, 2021 02:25 PM (hQ23g)

177 Merry Christmas everyone.

I still believe in Santa, because my best friend and his wife still believe in Santa. In fact, his wife still gets gifts from Santa at Christmas and on her birthday.

Her mother's name is "Santa"

As you may guess, this has caused consternation over the years when kids of both families had those conversations at school.

Posted by: Methos at December 25, 2021 02:34 PM (kOpft)

178 Good Deed, Good Works.
Public Life,was so Rooted
in the Bible, 1950's-67.
'68 was transition-Year
to Revolutionary-Style
stream of Events;
in which we live now.
>Against Mayhem:
I return Every abandoned
shopping cart.
Quite a walk,
"brisk & refreshing"
Our Shibboleth in MA.

Posted by: zigzag at December 25, 2021 02:52 PM (VkCLX)

179 There is a plumbing company near me called Santa's with a Santa of course on their trucks

Posted by: Skip's Phone at December 25, 2021 03:07 PM (ltPb+)

180 Merry Christmas everyone!

Norwegian waffles for breakfast with Michigan maple syrup. A winning combination.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at December 25, 2021 03:27 PM (CX3cf)

181 Awesome post. Merry Christmas to all!!!

Posted by: Rick554 at December 25, 2021 03:54 PM (FmOIw)

182 Norwegian waffles for breakfast with Michigan maple syrup. A winning combination.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair
---------------------
Don't know what a Norwegian waffle, but daughter made a Dutch Baby in a cast iron skillet today. She sprinkled powder sugar on it with raspberries. I slathered maple syrup on my slice.

Posted by: olddog in mo at December 25, 2021 04:03 PM (ju2Fy)

183 KT, thank you so much for the stories. The first one about Santa Claus brought warm tears to my eyes, but the second one had me bawling.

We are so blessed, compared to most of those who have gone before us.

I'll read the comments later, but I just wanted to thank you for the stories.

p.s. I loved those Christmas cookies in the photo. So sweet.

Posted by: Miley, the Duchess at December 25, 2021 06:45 PM (Mzdiz)

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