There is no shopping time left – so let the feasting
begin!
Memories of past holidays slip through our minds this time
of year. We recall favorite gatherings when we all traveled
and enjoyed getting together. My family assembled in Port Austin
for Christmas. After a hectic morning (beginning with blueberry
muffins) of gift opening, we would load up and head out on
the trails for a day of snowmobiling. It took nine snow machines
and a big sled full of provisions to carry Pat and I, our four
daughters and my three sisters with their spouses and children.
We could ride out right from our yard and head west to Caseville,
or east to Huron City, along groomed trails. We would usually
stop and have a cookout along the trail, but if we rode Christmas
day we held off, and upon our return the great dinner that
had been cooking all day was devoured by our hungry bunch.
Those were the good old days when carolers went door to door
entertaining those unable to get out and about. Sometimes old-timers
would invite the group in, offering hot chocolate and cookies
and a chance to warm up. Everyone decorated their homes and
real trees could be seen in most of the windows.
I
recall the toys we got our kids in the past, dolls cried
and some wet their pants, but none were robotic and carried
their own laptop like those you find offered in stores
now. A watch with Mickey Mouse hands was perhaps the
most
expensive
gift under the tree – now a $ 200 do-it-all electronic
is on every kids list. The cost of what is referred to as toys
today is staggering. Cell phones, Androids, IPods, Nooks — and
the list goes on and on. The cost of service for some of them
is an on-going expense, plus what happens when they lose them,
drop them in the water or want the next, latest edition? We
used to be able to buy our kids clothes for Christmas and they
were OK with that as long as it wasn’t underwear.
Now parents have to be certain the items have the right
label
and come from the right store or risk rejection.
Speaking
of trees – the Christmas tree used to be part
of the big holiday celebration. First was the trip to the tree
farm to select the perfect specimen. Shove it in the vehicle,
or load it on top, then drag it in the house. When you tried
to put it in the treestand the discovery was made that it was
not the perfect tree after all. The trunk had to be cut down
and branches sawed off to set it in the stand – and what
a mess that became. Next was perhaps the most frustrating part
of the event — putting the lights on. You wound
the strings around the tree and had to remember to
leave a
light at the
top for the angel. After finding an extension cord
and plugging the lights in, it was time to replace,
change
and switch
bulbs around to get just the right look.
At this point, Dad usually stepped aside and let the girls
take over because much gushing took place as the ornaments
were carefully unwrapped and placed on the tree.
Many
of them were handmade by the kids, grandma and aunties, and
very delicate. When it was time for
the tinsel we
often noted it had all been tossed with last year’s tree so
a mad dash was made to the store. I should say “stores” because
the tinsel was always sold out so several stores
had to be visited where other last minute items
were also
purchased.
Speaking
of shopping – when it was time to
shop for Mom, I always had a daughter or two
along to help
pick
out just
the right item of clothing and we always picked
up a new gadget for use in the kitchen. Christmas
morning
was the
best because
the tree was a work of art, especially after
all the gifts were placed under it.
As
I see it, times have sure changed. Customs vary as cultures
blend. We still have Rudolph
and Frosty
as well
as Alvin
and the Chipmunks, but tree farms have disappeared
because few
people visit them. It’s more economical and efficient
to buy an artificial tree, many of which come with lights and
ornaments already on them. You don’t have to water it
and there is no big mess with fallen needles. Just take it
apart and shove it in a box till next year. I do see the advantage
of being able to put the tree up sooner, and to be able to
enjoy it right through New Years, but doesn’t
everyone miss that great smell of live pine?
One
of the most entertaining things to do in the past was load
everyone in a vehicle and
drive around
viewing
the
light displays.
Out west and in the south, palm trees look
great all lit up swaying in the breeze. As
I remarked
earlier, times
sure have
changed, anyone who places a manger in their
yard may
be subject to public ridicule. If a person
wishes to place
a Star of David
or a Menorah on display, I’m fine with that as I’m
sure many others are.
It is also a sad state of the times that we have to be wary
of what greeting we use during the holiday season.
I have heard many people exchange Happy Hanukkah as a greeting
during the eight day celebration of their faith and I accept
that greeting as a gift. Citizens living in our country who
do not believe in Jesus should not complain because many of
us do and wish to express that fact during the celebration
of His birth. They should accept the greeting as it is intended,
good wishes.
I want to wish all my readers on this Christmas Eve and all
the Tribune staff a MERRY CHRISTMAS.