My dad owns a small construction company and he did bigger projects when I was a little girl, houses, restaurant remodels, etc. So he and mom would usually host a small company Christmas party every year. He'd invite all the boys that worked for him, a few clients, neighbors, friends, family, etc. There would be cold beverages, hot Italian olives, crackers, sliced Italian meats, mom's hot crab dip, one of those cheese balls rolled in pecans and sometimes mom would get this little crock filled with really yummy cheese. She had to order it from a catalog and it was coveted in our house.
I remember the glow of the freshly mopped hardwood floors, lights down low until the guests started showing up, fire in the stone fireplace rolling. Dad would be shined up and in his dress jeans, cowboy boots and nice button up shirt. Mom would have her hair all fixed (blonde, hot rolled and feathered to perfection) and dressed in something casual but festive. The Christmas tree would be completely covered in lights and ornaments and shining in the window. I remember this little candle holder that mom had that was a little stained glass Christmas tree that you set a tea light candle behind. I would just sit and look at that thing. I remember how the light from the candles, tree, etc would reflect off the floors and windows. Such a warm feeling.
I also remember all the preparation at church for the big Christmas play every year. It was always such a nightmare (for our youth leader, Martha) getting the kids to settle down and run through the script. I remember making Chrismons (ornaments) out of white Styrofoam plates cut into shapes and then decorated with silver and gold glitter, pipe cleaners and other shiny things. So sparkley on the tree with white lights. And the advent candles, a new one lit every week at church leading up to Christmas by an individual or family who would read a little reading. Ahhh, and the Christmas cantata by the choir (of all little, old people), led by the fabulous Greta Mae. Some years good, some years not good. There was an older couple in the choir that were operatic and they held them together. There was also the ever dramatic piano player, Laverna. She was a bit up tight, but she could play with religion, flare and more flourishes than you could ever imagine. No one played those old hymns like she could and no one every will.
I remember all of us watching Christmas Vacation about 2-3 times while we put up the tree at home, usually the day right after Christmas. Dad did the lights until I took over in middle or high school. I remember him getting frustrated again and I kicked him out and took over. After that he took over the outside lights. Dad is our exterior illumination expert. He taught me everything I know. Heh.
I remember Grandma and Grandpa's house. They had one of those giant stereo systems that looked like a piece of furniture. It had a record player and an 8 track player hidden in side. She always played this one tape called Christmas Bells or something to that effect. It was so pretty to listen to in the living room. I remember driving up to the house and seeing the little electric candles in the windows. She always used the colored bulbs, very old fashioned. She still does it. She also used to tape this Santa doll to the bottom banister of the stairs. It would constantly get knocked off, but it would always end up back up there with masking tape on the bottom of his black boots. She was very determined. I think she has a new Santa now, but its not the same.
I remember the glow of the freshly mopped hardwood floors, lights down low until the guests started showing up, fire in the stone fireplace rolling. Dad would be shined up and in his dress jeans, cowboy boots and nice button up shirt. Mom would have her hair all fixed (blonde, hot rolled and feathered to perfection) and dressed in something casual but festive. The Christmas tree would be completely covered in lights and ornaments and shining in the window. I remember this little candle holder that mom had that was a little stained glass Christmas tree that you set a tea light candle behind. I would just sit and look at that thing. I remember how the light from the candles, tree, etc would reflect off the floors and windows. Such a warm feeling.
I also remember all the preparation at church for the big Christmas play every year. It was always such a nightmare (for our youth leader, Martha) getting the kids to settle down and run through the script. I remember making Chrismons (ornaments) out of white Styrofoam plates cut into shapes and then decorated with silver and gold glitter, pipe cleaners and other shiny things. So sparkley on the tree with white lights. And the advent candles, a new one lit every week at church leading up to Christmas by an individual or family who would read a little reading. Ahhh, and the Christmas cantata by the choir (of all little, old people), led by the fabulous Greta Mae. Some years good, some years not good. There was an older couple in the choir that were operatic and they held them together. There was also the ever dramatic piano player, Laverna. She was a bit up tight, but she could play with religion, flare and more flourishes than you could ever imagine. No one played those old hymns like she could and no one every will.
I remember all of us watching Christmas Vacation about 2-3 times while we put up the tree at home, usually the day right after Christmas. Dad did the lights until I took over in middle or high school. I remember him getting frustrated again and I kicked him out and took over. After that he took over the outside lights. Dad is our exterior illumination expert. He taught me everything I know. Heh.
I remember Grandma and Grandpa's house. They had one of those giant stereo systems that looked like a piece of furniture. It had a record player and an 8 track player hidden in side. She always played this one tape called Christmas Bells or something to that effect. It was so pretty to listen to in the living room. I remember driving up to the house and seeing the little electric candles in the windows. She always used the colored bulbs, very old fashioned. She still does it. She also used to tape this Santa doll to the bottom banister of the stairs. It would constantly get knocked off, but it would always end up back up there with masking tape on the bottom of his black boots. She was very determined. I think she has a new Santa now, but its not the same.
I remember the first year Santa meant anything to my little sister. When I was little, my ass was up at 5am to see if Santa had come and what I got under the tree. So of course, I was sure that she'd be all up in that as well. Nowadays, my sister is known far and wide as a "heavy sleeper" (see comatose), so it took a bit if rousing. But she was into it once we were down stairs. It was magic. I can't wait to see Lilly's eyes this year on Christmas morning. But I promise I won't wake her up at 5AM.
I hate to admit it, but this year was the first time I started to imagine what it would be like to have Christmas in my own house. I know that's not likely anytime soon. I think my mom would come down here, pack our bags and drag us home if I tried it. But someday, it might happen. For now, I'll continue to relive the old days at mom and dad's house. It suits me just fine.
Merry Christmas,
Molly
1 comment:
I know. I dream of Xmas celebrations in my own house, too... :(
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