With Christmas being in a few days I've been thinking of my many years past. It was also inspired by my mom bringing out our own pajama pants, a toy, and chocolate for each of us.
One of my favorite Christmas memories happened when I was five. "Santa Claus" had hidden our presents throughout the house. Sitting on the fireplace was a flashlight for Scott, Mark, and myself--Kevin was too young to run around with us. We also had our first clue. The rule was we couldn't open the present until we came back to the parents. The clues took us everywhere from the oven to the dryer to the garage. I don't remember exactly what I got, just the excitement of running and squealing around the house with my brothers.
Looking back the best part of Christmas was really the anticipation of it all. After watching Muppet Christmas Carol and drinking our eggnog, we would congregate and plan our "meeting time and place." Often at 2:00am, carefully to avoid the squeeky spots in the floor and stairs, would meet down by the tree and go through our stockings. After showing off what was in there and shaking all our presents we carefully placed everything back and would play games in someone's room until morning. I loved it when my sisters were old enough to walk and talk because we could send them to knock on the parents' door and not get yelled at. Oh how mean we were.
When I was 14 my parents took all 6 of us to DisneyWorld/Florida for 2 weeks. I am now only beginning to understand the planning that went into that adventure. We hit every ride and saw all the characters. Our hotel had this GIANT gingerbread village in the front room. I still remember all the decorations and the parade. The dancing princesses were my favorite to this day. The 2000 celebration was going on as well and the firework celebration was amazing. On Christmas Day itself we went to Ron Jon's Surf Shop and played at the beach.
There was also the year my Grandma gave us all Barney socks. I love my Grandma! I think I was twelve or thirteen when I opened my present to find bright purple barney socks with sticky bottoms. I looked up to find that each of my siblings had a similar pair. Oh the looks on our faces :D.
The last few years we have changed directions a bit and started traveling to California. It becomes a mini family reunion when cousins join us. I love the chance to get away from life and play just with my family. One year we rode California Scream'n forever and took the best pictures. The trip counts as our Christmas Present, so instead we shop for Angel Tree presents. I love shopping for other people!
Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love the smells and sounds. Christmas music starts the day after Halloween for me. I love putting up the tree and decorations. The bests treats come out this time of year. I'm not going to lie. I still sneak down to the Christmas tree at 3am and go through my snowman stocking. But now instead of going to play games I sit by the tree and look at the lights. The meaning of Christmas has changed for me. While waiting for my family to wake up I sit and read Christmas stories while I listen to my favorite Christmas songs. I often sneak out in my boots ans coat to walk around the town. One year was particularly beautiful--it was snowing and the moon was shining. I walked around just enjoying the peace and the spirit. Christmas has changed for me since I was little. It really has become more about the Savior and becoming more Christlike. More about reaching and uplifting other people and helping them to feel Christ's love. Christmas now has become about Christ for me.
One of my favorite Christmas memories happened when I was five. "Santa Claus" had hidden our presents throughout the house. Sitting on the fireplace was a flashlight for Scott, Mark, and myself--Kevin was too young to run around with us. We also had our first clue. The rule was we couldn't open the present until we came back to the parents. The clues took us everywhere from the oven to the dryer to the garage. I don't remember exactly what I got, just the excitement of running and squealing around the house with my brothers.
Looking back the best part of Christmas was really the anticipation of it all. After watching Muppet Christmas Carol and drinking our eggnog, we would congregate and plan our "meeting time and place." Often at 2:00am, carefully to avoid the squeeky spots in the floor and stairs, would meet down by the tree and go through our stockings. After showing off what was in there and shaking all our presents we carefully placed everything back and would play games in someone's room until morning. I loved it when my sisters were old enough to walk and talk because we could send them to knock on the parents' door and not get yelled at. Oh how mean we were.
When I was 14 my parents took all 6 of us to DisneyWorld/Florida for 2 weeks. I am now only beginning to understand the planning that went into that adventure. We hit every ride and saw all the characters. Our hotel had this GIANT gingerbread village in the front room. I still remember all the decorations and the parade. The dancing princesses were my favorite to this day. The 2000 celebration was going on as well and the firework celebration was amazing. On Christmas Day itself we went to Ron Jon's Surf Shop and played at the beach.
There was also the year my Grandma gave us all Barney socks. I love my Grandma! I think I was twelve or thirteen when I opened my present to find bright purple barney socks with sticky bottoms. I looked up to find that each of my siblings had a similar pair. Oh the looks on our faces :D.
The last few years we have changed directions a bit and started traveling to California. It becomes a mini family reunion when cousins join us. I love the chance to get away from life and play just with my family. One year we rode California Scream'n forever and took the best pictures. The trip counts as our Christmas Present, so instead we shop for Angel Tree presents. I love shopping for other people!
Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love the smells and sounds. Christmas music starts the day after Halloween for me. I love putting up the tree and decorations. The bests treats come out this time of year. I'm not going to lie. I still sneak down to the Christmas tree at 3am and go through my snowman stocking. But now instead of going to play games I sit by the tree and look at the lights. The meaning of Christmas has changed for me. While waiting for my family to wake up I sit and read Christmas stories while I listen to my favorite Christmas songs. I often sneak out in my boots ans coat to walk around the town. One year was particularly beautiful--it was snowing and the moon was shining. I walked around just enjoying the peace and the spirit. Christmas has changed for me since I was little. It really has become more about the Savior and becoming more Christlike. More about reaching and uplifting other people and helping them to feel Christ's love. Christmas now has become about Christ for me.
Merry Christmas Melissa!!
ReplyDeleteHow are you? I found your blog through your comment on mine. I see you are still working in the ER. I'm still at PCMC as I'm sure you know. I am the only one left from our hire group! It looks like you have a fun/busy life. I will have to blog stalk you from now on. Take care!
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