A Fond Christmas Memory
Christmas is a time for family and celebration. It’s a time to reminisce of what Christmas is really all about. Unfortunately, this year is so much different than in the past. Many of us won’t get to be with our family this year because of Covid-19, this Millennium’s version of the Bubonic Plague. So… this year, I find myself thinking of the good ole days. Read on for a glimpse into my typical Christmas.
When I was a child, I remember going to my grandmother’s house on Christmas Day. My dad didn’t really have a ton of money, but he managed to get some small things to open in the morning at home before we went to Grandma’s. And if he couldn’t? Well, Santa stopped at Grandma’s house that year because he was really, really busy and needed to fly.
Grandma would always have goodies out for us. We’d snack all day while she cooked. I usually got to help make the mashed potatoes. She always put extra butter in it because she knew I liked it that way. Gravy was always brown gravy… because she knew it was my favorite.
While we ate dinner and everyone talked and laughed, it was Grandma who was bustling around making sure everyone had what they needed. Imagine a small woman barely over five feet. She’s bubbly. She whistles to herself as she bustles. She’s the perfect pint-sized grandma who randomly hugs you tight and smells like everything Christmas. That… that’s my grandma.
Over the years, Christmas’ changed for me. For many years I didn’t live near her, but she always tried to save up her vacation time and money to see us at Christmas. While she wasn’t necessarily the one cooking, the years I did have her with me, she was still bustling around making sure everyone had what they needed. Even though she was a guest in our home nearly a thousand miles away from her own.
When I became an adult and moved back to Minnesota, Christmas with grandmother was usually spent with my aunt and uncle. My aunt and uncle were the ones cooking. But there she was. Grandma. Scooting around making sure we were all happy and fed and taken care of. Even though she was a guest in someone else’s home.
The past few years it’s been my turn to put on the Christmas Feast. I’m the one cooking and fussing and cleaning and making sure everything is perfect. And right behind me is Grandma. Helping out. Making sure that everyone has everything they need, and I’m not too overwhelmed doing it all myself.
This year I don’t have Grandma. I don’t have anyone coming over because of the Pandemic. I haven’t even put up a tree or ordered Christmas presents for anyone except my loves… And my Grandma. The woman who has spent her life giving to everyone else deserves the Elvis calendar I’m sending. Because who doesn’t like a little Elvis Presley on Christmas day?
Merry Christmas, everyone! May you make the most of this year and spend it with as much family as you can. Stay safe and know I’m sending you all a hug and well wishes. Thanks so much for your support of me this year! It’s one of the best Christmas presents I’ve ever been given!