As we get closer to the day the big man in red comes down our chimneys, I am reminded of so many other Christmases that I have enjoyed through my years. Some of them were peaceful and relaxing as others were hectic and loud and boisterous, most times the latter.
When our children were younger and we got to wait and look forward to Santa coming, these were the BEST of times. Our boys are so close in age, two and one half years apart, and our little girl the very youngest of the three, there are so many of the animated and overexcited holidays that I can readily remember. One in particular comes to mind.
One year I had my heart set on a ring from our local jewelry store that to me was the ultimate diamond ring. I had casually asked my husband for the ring and had even visited the jeweler to let him know, "just in case" my husband came in to find me a gift. As time progressed, getting closer and closer to the anticipated day, I had not seen a small wrapped box appear under the tree. If I got a set of pots and pans this year I promised myself there would be no peas cooked in the shiny new boilers!
Christmas morning came and I begrudgingly gathered around the tree with all the pretty wrapped gifts Santa had left underneath the big Cedar. Yep, sure enough there was a big box, just the right size for that set of Cuisinart I did not want. The kids opened all their packages first and then it was my time. I could not even pretend to be excited because, well I wanted that ring! I opened the big box and there inside was a tiny little box and I was euphoric. He had gotten my wished for ring. I tore into the small box and there in side, laying against the black of the velvet was the most atrocious yellow ring holding a big stone of a bubble gum machine diamond. I suppose my face told the story as I gasp with horror. My husband thought he had done so well hiding the fact he had bought my wanted jewelry and all he could say was, "Is this one the one you wanted?" Through my tears I assured him it was not something I wanted. As he took the ring from my hands and inspected the gem his face was quite ashen as he said, "Somebody came in and stole the real diamond." He was ready to call the authorities as our children began to laugh and handed the real gem to him. Of course they were the culprits in this travesty.
I can remember so many other holiday memories forever burned into my pondering heart. Our second born, was a climber and I could always find footprints on my counter tops from his tennis shoes as he scaled the high places looking for hidden gifts. My other two were more cunning and devious with their deeds and they were harder to catch. I do remember one of them taking a razor bade and cutting the tape on a gift and taping it back without me being the wiser. They had their moments too.
Then the time when they asked the dreaded question, "Mama, is there really a Santa Claus?" I can remember how my heart felt as if all the fun was coming to an end. I fought for local validity before answering as I struggled to keep some of the magic.
I just smiled one of those "mama smiles" and said sweetly, "Well, I believe he is certainly real and the minute you tell me you do not believe he comes on Christmas Eve with his big bag of toys and leaves them for you, you will get NO MORE GIFTS ON CHRISTMAS!!
If you happen to see one of our children before Christmas ask them the question, "Do you believe in Santa?" and I feel convinced and satisfied that they will tell you, YES I AM WITHOUT A DOUBT SURE THAT Santa Claus IS REAL."
This is one of those cold and wet days and I am making some home made vegetable soup.
VEGETABLE SOUP
2 cups of diced potatoes, 2 cups diced onions, 2 T. garlic powder, 2 T. Italian seasonings, salt and pepper to taste.
Bring onions and potatoes to a boil in a box of bought chicken broth and cook for about 10 minutes. Add 1 can of English peas, 1 can of cream style corn, 1 can of niblets corn, and 1 can of diced carrots. To this I add a quart of my home canned tomatoes but you can use a large can from the grocery store. 1 cup of pre-made spaghetti sauce (garlic and onions), Bring to a boil and turn to simmer and cook for about an hour. This is so good with crunchy cornbread.
