Thursday, December 10, 2015

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year


 

I have 'TONS'  of family CHRISTMAS MEMORIES. . .in the form of decorations. . .Christmas décor was the one and only thing that my MOTHER did not throw out. . .She was never a collector 'pack rat'  like my DAD and I were. . .She had TREE ORNAMENTS that dated back to my childhood. . .each year adding to them. . .I was always the crafty one who made ornaments every year. . .decorated packages to the point that the outside was as much a GIFT as the inside. . .Mom saved as many as possible. . .along with everything else 'CHRISTMAS'. . .
 
That time of the year at the Duncan home was so FESTIVE. . .A CHRISTMAS TREE in almost every room. . .PARTIES. . .BAKING. . .HOMEMADE GIFTS. . .Lots of WHISPERING going on. . .CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS at the church and school. . .ANTICIPATION for the BIG DAY. . .
 
The PRE-CHRISTMAS time was as FESTIVE as the actual day. . .
 
When CHRISTMAS DAY did arrive, our entire FAMILY--and extended family--came together. . .always at 'GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE'. . .which later became our home, too. . .and where the gathering continued for years so come. . .
 
I remember the WOMEN in the kitchen. . .putting the last touches on the Christmas feast. . .the COUSINS (all boys) sneaking off and getting into mischief. . .the MEN getting caught up on the recent harvest and politics. . .DADDY moving from room to room with his camera. . .taking photos and documenting the day. . .photos that would mean so much to all of us years later. . .
 
The house was ablaze with LIGHTS and CANDLES and JOY and CHEER and all those things we sing about every Christmas even now. . .
 
 
 
 
THIS CHRISTMAS 2015, I began pulling out all the boxes of MEMORIES. . .not only collected by MOM. . .but also the ones I inherited from my AUNTS. . .and my GRANDMOTHERS. . .Boxes and boxes of them. . .many of which will end up being donated to the museum. . .a Christmas past LEGACY for future generations. . .But there are a few outdoor ones I selected to display one more time. . .in CELEBRATION of my Mother's life.
You see. . .We lost MOM this day. . .eleven years ago. . .and DADDY the next year. . .No Christmas has ever been the same. . .Not the same. . .very different. . .and then--finally--it became a celebration once again. . .a CELEBRATION that cannot be enjoyed without Wonderful Memories of Christmas Past. . .but also in APPRECIATION and joy for Christmas Present
Although MEMORIES flood my mind. . .I am once again full of HOPE and JOY and CELEBRATION of the season. . .of family and present friends. . .Of continuing to make Christmas memories. . .And in it all,  recognizing this really is. . .
THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

8 comments:

Cheryl Harper Textiles said...

Thank you Dru for the lovely post. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Pamela Gordon said...

It's wonderful to have those lovely Christmas memories and decorations too. Thanks for sharing Dru. Have a wonderful Christmas season!
Blessings, Pam

Cindy Lou said...

Just beautiful ! You were truly blessed to have all those wonderful memories to cherish! This is one of my most favorite songs!! Your front porch looks great! Would love to see the inside! Take care!

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Hi Dru. I love your story of Christmas past and the collections and thoughts of your family. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. What better time to bring out the treasures and relive the wonderful memories..Happy Christmas to you..Judy

Anne's Attic - Design said...

Your front porch is so darling and welcoming. Merry Christmas!
xx Jo

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Pinehurst Farm said...

Dru,
I have lived through an almost identical loss as you, same timing and all! I too have had trouble with enjoying the season for many years. You are not alone my dear! I needed to hear this, so thank you!
Blessings

Jane@Bluebird1959 said...

Such happy and joyous memories - you are lucky to have them, both in the form of decor and in your heart. Jane

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