“Lights please.”
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, “Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
“And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find this babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Looking out the front window and watching the bitter cold wind scatter a few snowflakes across the yard, I couldn't help but wish, with Christmas only a few days away, that the ground would be covered in white, reminding me of my childhood, when I awoke on the most wonderful day of the year.
With visions of sugar plums still dancing in my head, I put on my coat, knit cap, and gloves, then headed to town for some last minute shopping. Slowly driving around I took a trip down memory lane as I longed for the days of the past when small town squares were bustling with Christmas shoppers by the dozens, when you couldn't ever find a parking place and you just simply drove around till one became available. Every store on the square was packed with customers and little gap-toothed kids had their faces pressed against the windows at the dime stores staring longingly at the toys stacked high on the shelves hoping they would somehow find their way under the Christmas tree.
A visit with Santa at Dimeco or Robinson's 5 & 10 was a treat for children in town as they would stand in line to tell old St. Nick what presents they would like for Christmas. They believed the presents were brought by him on Christmas eve in a sleigh pulled by reindeer with Rudolph leading the way.
And it was so unlike people to spend a lot of money back then but it wasn't an issue because four or five dollars would buy a decent present that anyone would be proud to receive. It wouldn't be fancy or electronic and it wouldn't require a college education to operate it, but none the less it would be cherished because of the thought.
But Christmas is still and always will be the happiest and busiest time of the year. People prepare special foods, decorate their homes with Christmas trees, wreaths and ornaments, send Christmas cards, sing Christmas carols, and give gifts to relatives and friends. City streets sparkle with colored lights and the sound of bells and carols fill the air.
Christmas comes to everyone, welcomed or dreaded. The Christmas season comes and inspires and proves itself year after year. It's the small rituals of Christmas, signatures of love, little touches of interaction that are unique to the season. It's a celebration to cherish and holds memories never to be forgotten.
With warmest wishes to all my friends, I hope your holiday glows with peace and joy, good health, good fortune, and good fellowship. And may 2007 be everything that you want it to be.
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I received a much appreciated card this week from Buddy Jent thanking me for the stroll down memory lane. If any of you readers have a story or a cherished memory you would like to see in the paper, please drop me a note or letter here at the Macon County Times, attention Debbie Gregory, or call me at 666-5616 and I'll sure do my best.
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Dear Santa:
I am a boy and I want a BB gun and a bicycle. I am good.
Steve Jones
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Dear Santa:
How are you? I want an English racer bicycle and a mattie mattel doll and a jet liner. Don't forget Keith and Stevie.
I love you, Debbie Gregory
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Dear Santa:
I have been a good boy this year and I want you to bring me a football helmet, guns, a buffalo skinner set, and anything else you can bring. Don't forget Jimmy and Mommy and Daddy and all the other little boys and girls.
Love, Randy Wheeley
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Dear Santa:
I go to Westside School. I am in the second grade. I want a doll and a nurse suit and a camera.
Love, Linda Spears
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Dear Santa:
I am 6 years old. For Christmas I want a pair of cowboy boots, a superman suit and a whirly-bird helicopter.
Tommy Dallas
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- Santa Letters 1960
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