SEXIEST PERSONS ALIVE

Friday, December 24, 2010

magical memories of christmas eve



Sneaking out of bed on Christmas eve, sliding behind the living room sofa, hiding and waiting to see Santa come down the chimney. Lucky for me I was lying on a hardwood floor beneath a window with a down draft. I climbed back in bed to get warm and fell asleep. Santa was safe for another few years.

Watching my aunt, who was visiting from the south, make footprints out of fireplace ash so that my younger brother and sister would see proof that Santa had come down the chimney. I loved the almost grown up feeling of being behind the curtain. And I loved my aunt and my grandmother. I was so glad they came to spend the holidays with us.

My brothers and I begging and begging our mom to let us open just one present, please, please, please and her finally giving in. Testing each present, trying to decide which one would be the most fun.

Driving home from midnight mass. We lived in the country and passed miles of flat fields and farmland. We were listening to the radio and heard the announcer say that Santa was officially in flight. I remember looking out of the car window, up at the dark sky, hoping to catch a glimpse. I saw a shooting star. I just knew that was a spark from Santa's sleigh.

How about you, readers? What are your magical holiday memories?

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year.

6 comments:

King of New York Hacks said...

I could write a novel on all the happy memories of Christmas that I have, but reading yours makes me smile and think of mine. Thank you. Wishing you the Merriest Christmas ever. Peace.
-Edward

Megan said...

Merry Christmas!

hokgardner said...

What wonderful memories.

Mine involve being at my grandparents' house with all of my beloved uncles, who were home from college. They were my heroes as a child, and I loved being able to spend any time I could following them around.

Now I'm enjoying making Christmas memories for my kids. I think it's one of my favorite parts of being a parent - creating magic.

rb said...

Merry Christmas to you!

I do remember years of trying to stay awake to catch a glimpse of Father Christmas and always falling asleep.

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

I knew Santa was real until I was 12-because we were poor and there was no way my mom could have given us those presents.

Jenn @ Youknow...that Blog? said...

Merry Christmas!

I think the best memories I have of Christmas are of my own kids, and the traditions we started because of them. My own childhood memories of Christmas are good, but these are better. We also established a tradition of trading ornaments with our friends (instead of regular gifts) back when the teen was a baby, and now our friends look forward to it as much as we do. And over the years my tree has become the most gorgeous and meaningful thing in the world. :)

Mimosas and Eggs Benedict on Christmas morning are pretty nifty too...

Have a wonderful Christmas with your family! *hugs*