Just Thinking About Christmas' Past

Christmas is just around the corner.  Just a few more days left and the magic of Santa Claus will be delivering his gifts.  I awoke this morning thinking about some of the gifts I had received when Santa Claus used to visit.  The arrival of the Sears catalog marked the beginning of the Christmas season for me.  Oh, how many times did I thumb through that book.  The back of that catalog was magical!  I thought I would share with you some of those toys that I remember receiving.

Banana Bike

This was the first bicycle I remember getting from Santa.  I know that I had a small red one with training wheels before, but I can still see that yellow and white banana bike sitting beside the tree.  It had those shiny streamers hanging from the handle bars and a white basket in front.  I can also remember that it was the first Christmas we had in the newly remodeled house; I don't think Heather was even born yet.

Weeble Woobles

"Weebles wooble but they don't fall down!" I loved these!  Of all the presents that I had gotten over the years, I believe I may have played with the Weeble Woobles more than anything.



Match Box Cars
Spirograph
10 Speed Bicycle
Lite Bright
Viewmaster
Kewpie Doll

I loved all of the presents I received from Santa Claus over the years.  Thinking back, I do not recall one present that kept us from wanting to go outside and play.  Me and Heather had always received something that we could play in the yard.  A basketball, a pogo stick, and bicycles. I even think Heather may have gotten a fishing rod and tackle box one Christmas.  Unlike children today, we never stayed in the house much.  Most of the time, the baby dolls, matchbox cars, and games followed us to the yard.  We could have more fun on a gravel rock pile with matchbox cars than a child today playing video games in front of the TV.

Remember on Christmas Eve night, how we all gathered at the church for our Christmas Program?  It never failed, Mom and Dad would let us open one gift on Christmas Eve before going to the church. It was always a Christmas dress for us to wear that night.  Do you remember Ms. Patsy Sadler directing us in the Christmas play and then getting us to sing "Here Comes Santa Claus" to get Santa to come visit?

Afterwards, we would go riding around the Island looking at the Christmas lights.  I can still see Ms. Bertie Ireland's house with all those large, lit yard decorations she would have.  How about Mr. Freeman Ireland's house?  He had Santa in his sleigh and all of the reindeer on the roof of his house.

All of us have special Christmas memories of years past.  The toys, the Christmas lights, the church, and our family.  I encourage you to take a moment out of your busy holiday preparations and think about your Christmas' memories.  Merry Christmas!