Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Three Muses - Tidings

Marie has asked us to share some Christmas memories.  Mine are centered about the little one-room school and the country church that were the hub of social activities in my childhood.   Tradition on Christmas Eve was to attend Nigh Chapel for the children's program, hymns, and the reading of the story of Christ's birth from the Bible.  Then, the sound of sleigh bells heralded the arrival of Santa, who always brought brown paper bags of treats for everyone.  These contained hard candies, chocolate drops, nuts, an orange and a shiny apple.  I  never questioned that these treats were from the North Pole until the year my parents were on the "treat committee" and, with friends, prepared the bags of treats at our house!    This was probably the same year I learned Santa was Johnny Cashmer, a rotund farmer with rosy cheeks who lived in the neighborhood!   Who knew?  Any Christmas shopping was likely done from the well-fingered pages of the Sears & Roebuck catalog.   We looked forward to receiving the package from my father's mother, which always contained her potato candy (a confection made from a boiled potato, powdered sugar, and peanut butter).  Christmas Day was a gathering of family.  Gifts were simple, few and well chosen, and the afternoon was usually spent playing games of all sorts.

Close your eyes.  Imagine no charge cards, no over-spending, no retail mania, no exchanges, no batteries, children who talked instead of texting, adults who visited instead of watching television, and everyone remembering what Christmas is all about .....

25 comments:

  1. I LOVE READING ABOUT MEMORIES!
    So special, thank you!!!

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  2. A lovely post Bev. Thank you for sharing some special memories with a beautiful illustration too.

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  3. A very beautiful text with your illustration, thanks for sharing your memories.
    Happy christmas
    Pat

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  4. Bev I knew your entry would be something special but once again you have exceeded my expectation...Your picture is lovely...but your story touched my heart and carried me back to the simple times I miss so much at this time of year. Thank you my dear you have made my day.

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  5. Ah, Bev, I could drown in your memories. You writing skill and keen observations are such that you are able to draw the reader in to your world and back into the kinder, gentler and simpler times. I did close my eyes and imagined what life would be like without all those evils that we deem necessary today.
    Your Christmas card is stunning. You have made my day.
    Happy Christmas to you and yours from your old friend Mahre.

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  6. A beautiful Christmas post Bev- I love reading about your favorite memories and your lovely card sums up the true spirit of the season. The best to you!

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  7. Ooohhh, Bev! What wonderful memories you have! You've made me remember earlier Christmases filled with family, church services and simplicity. How things have changed!!! Many warm and happy wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a very healthy, Happy New Year too! Holiday Hugs, Terri xoxox

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  8. Thanks for sharing your memories, Bev, your last paragraph brought tears to my eyes as that is what I remember from my Christmas times in the UK until I came to NZ in 1972. Nothing since comes close.
    Christmas blessings & happy healthy 2011!

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  9. Wonderful imagery, Bev. It was nice to hear about your Christmas celebrations. Beautiful! Merry Christmas.

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  10. beautiful Bev! and love reading about your memories!

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  11. Its beautiful as the story is. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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  12. forgot to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas!!!

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  13. Your card and your memories are so beautiful. My mind at the moment is full of my own reminisces...
    Big Hugs xx

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  14. Bev, thank you so much for sharing your Christmas memories - they brought tears in my eyes! I so much wish that we could learn to find joy and comfort in simple things and in the company of our friends and relatives. I wish you a Peaceful and Beautiful Christmas!

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  15. Thank you so much for sharing. I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful, safe and warm Christmas!

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  16. What a warm feeling your memories gave me. I was glad to see you mentioned getting an orange in your stocking :-)

    Happy Holidays!

    Darla

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  17. Beautiful shared memories, Bev!

    Merry Xmas to you and yours!

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  18. thanks for sharing your memories, bev! have a merry time and i wish you health and ongoing creativity for the next year!

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  19. Great piece, and wonderful write up about your childhood Christmases. Merry Christmas to you and yours Bev!

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  20. Gorgeous piece, Bev. Merry Christmas!

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  21. happy Christmas and thanks for your wonderful support during the year.. we have arrived safely at our son's house... ready for the celebrations!
    Glenys

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  22. What beautiful memories you've shared, Bev ~ and lovely artwork too. Wishing you a Christmas filled with good memories of family, home, and peace. Happy holidays! Peggi

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  23. What a lovely post!

    Merry Christmas Dear Bev!
    I hope you´ll have a wonderful and peaceful holiday filled with love and joy.

    Big hugs
    MARTINA oxo

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