Originally Posted by
Medusa
Stenciling snowflakes on frosty windows. Decorating the house w/Christmas cards because we couldn't afford anything else. Lots of noisy relatives on Christmas eve, TV on in the background playing "Amahl and the Night Visitors" that no one is paying any attention to except for me, to be followed up by marionettes performing "'Twas The Night Before Christmas".
That stupid fruit cake that Dad would bring out every year and pass around that no one would ever touch. Home made Christmas cards; I'll do the drawings and Mum can write the poem. Dad allowing me a sip of cheap wine, usually Mogen David or Manischewitz, and hearing Mum have a fit about it. Sneaking more chocolate covered cherries than I was allowed. Ribbon candy, gum drops and licorice in candy dishes and candy canes on a real evergreen tree that will get knocked over because our orange kitty Rascal can't resist all the tinsel dangling so temptingly. A real tree that we picked out as a family, brought home and decorated together. The angel topper made of spun glass that sits on the Christmas tree top. Stockings hanging from the mantel, stockings that are actually Dad's socks that stretch out of shape because Mum always has to put an orange in the bottom of each of the darned things.
Grownups sitting around the kitchen table laughing and reminiscing while the kids in the living room wonder aloud how Santa will be able to visit every single home in the world in one night. Being allowed to wait for the 11:00 news and hearing newsman Bill Burns announce that Santa's sleigh has been spotted on radar, so all the little kiddies had better go to bed.
Family coming in and out all Christmas day, sharing a meal together, turkey w/stuffing, home baked cherry pies and nut rolls, taking part in the family gift exchange. Wishing for toys and receiving clothes instead. Christmas caroling. Going to church and being in the Christmas pageant. Wearing my prettiest dress and patent leather shoes on Christmas day. Growing up, having a family of my own and doing it all over again w/my own husband and son, friends and extended family. That is my wish. Just grant my wish one last time. Please.