Memories

This time of year sparks many memories. The day after Christmas was special in its own way. The stores were open, and gifts that didn’t quite fit the right mood became potential trades and returns. In our case, I remember son John and I comparing sweaters received. I was big in them back then, he wasn’t, so I agreed to swap his for cash and we went shopping!

The post-holiday sales were amazing. Many sweaters were half-price. I had a field day and scored some of my best sweaters in more than two years. On the other hand, John had cash to spend on just what he wanted. We were both thrilled. In spite of the giver’s intent, we were happier with other choices.

Of course, that is a distortion of what the holiday is all about, but that was not at all in our thoughts!

Other memories involved things received versus weather appropriate. So many times, I had sidewalks and driveway to shovel. And shovel again. Winter sports paraphernalia would have matched the weather, but not garden tools and such. However, the day after Christmas was a fun day putting away new things and planning their nearest use. Besides, such labor tidied up the house from all the gift wrapping and boxes.

That reminds me, does anyone else remember the gathering and saving of Marshall Fields’ boxes for future re-use? We had stacks of them when we moved out of that house! Stacks. We offered them to others, but not all were taken. Meanwhile we wondered how we would wrap future gifts without those boxes. Just wondering if we were the only ones who did this.

And saving ribbons and special wrapper decorations, we saved a lot of those items for next year’s holidays. At least this practice showed appreciation for the items.

I do remember, not fondly, the bills that soon were received for all the stuff we bought for the holiday. Yes, those memories have sometimes been quite vivid and stretched a few months into the new year.

Of course, memories of special people gathered for the holiday were remembered for a long time. Aunt Anne and Uncle Hal shared Christmas with us many times after their son died. At our home they were surrounded by the fun and noise of good Christmases, not the sorrow of loss felt so deeply at home.

You have special memories of those days long past. Rekindle them and prolong the joy of the season.

December 26, 2025

 

 

 

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