Santa Claus, Past and Present

Yesterday Tammy told me a comment Kayden made after seeing Santa Claus at a store. It got me to thinking about the difference between Christmas Past and Christmas Present. I don't just mean MY particular Christmases, but Christmas in general. I've seen a difference in children's reaction to the excitement of Christmas during my 25 years of teaching school. And there is a great difference between the excitement of Christmas 50 years ago and now. I know a lot of my thinking has changed because of my age, but I don't see the excitement in kids that I felt when I was younger. And I think it is all because of Santa.

Back in the "olden days", when I was young and walked uphill both ways to school with my pet dinosaur, Christmas was a magical time of year. Back then the little town of Orangeville was decorated with strings of lights across the main street in town. Actually going clear across the street from one side to the other. There might have been one set of lights on each side street leading off main street. I remember a string of lights that rotated position on the road outside our house. Some years it was in front of the Joneses, sometimes in front of our house, and sometimes in front of Albertson's house. As you drove into town I was thrilled to see those lights. It was magical. There weren't any "fancy" ornaments on the power/telephone poles, just the lights across the street. Sometimes a ligh bulb would be knocked out by boys throwing rocks, but they were quickly replaced. Sometime along the years someone said the lights had to come down because they confused the people who were looking at the stop lights? In Orangeville there are no stop lights, so how was it confusing? At any rate, now there are just decorations on the sides of the street. They are nice, but not the same as the lights across the street.

So,to get to Santa. Back in those olden days, we were very lucky if we saw Santa even once during the holiday season. Santa usually came to visit with us at the ward Christmas party. We always had a primary program for the ward Christmas party, where the children were the actors in the first Christmas pageant. The girls were angels with halos in our hair. Some one would get lucky and be asked to play the part of Mary. A doll stood in for the baby Jesus. The boys got the fun parts of the Wise Men, the Shepherds, and Joseph. Everyone else just stood around with their halos and sang. After the program we would meet in the foyers of the church where there was a VERY TALL Christmas tree all decorated with ornaments, lights, and tinsel. There would be a special chair for Santa and we would crowd around to hear what everyone else wanted for Christmas. It was so exciting to finally get to talk with Santa himself and tell him our wishes. That was most likely the only time you saw Santa until the next year.

These days, children see Santa everywhere they go. They are smart enough to know that every one can't possibly be Santa. So parents have an extra difficult time explaining all the Santas to their children. I think it takes away from the excitement of seeing that one special Santa. Which one is really the real Santa?

Over the past 10 years we have shared in the excitement of Santa with children. We have been blessed to help children see the excitement of seeing Sanata up close and personal. We have been in attendence at several city parties where Santa has talked with children, and then been with Santa the next day as he talked with the same children again, sometimes more than 2 times during a season. I remember one year a special young boy had been on Santa's knee for two weekends in a row. He turned to his mother and said "That is the real Santa because I saw him last week, too!"

In my growing up years Santa was always the "Real Santa" because I only got to see him once a year. He was too busy to come too often, so one visit was all you got.
Are we taking away the magic of Christmas when Santa is on every street corner, and in every store and bank, and every city party ? I don't mean to be a Scrooge, but I don't think it is as special and exciting for children to even seen Santa any more, not like it was for us back then. Maybe too much is not a good thing. Just wondering.

Another Look back

Here is another blast from the past. This picture shows the four girls. Why were we always known as the four girls? Because that is what we were. It must be Christmas time because we are holding the "dip and drape dolls" that Mom made for us one Christmas. Back in the "olden days" Relief Society kept Mom busy with projects she made for us. This was one popular project back then. The dolls are formed over a soda bottle body with special muslin fabric that was dipped in a solution kind of like modge-podge and draped and shaped over the body. The faces are painted on a large ball that was covered with the same fabric. The hair is like a fake fur that was curled and pinned into place, then the hats were molded from the fabric and placed on top of the hair and head. After drying, the entire project is then hand painted. I am sure each individual doll took several hours to do. I am also susre they were each done at the same time, all the dipping and molding done at the same time, then painted individually by hair. Mom was always a perfectionist at her crafts so they were done perfectly.

I'm not sure exactly what year this is, but since I am in contacts it had to be at last my sophmore year in high school, so at least Christmas of 1971. We are a nice looking family of girls, don't you think? I remember that outfit I am wearing. It was always one of my most favorite, also one of the first that wasn't made by Mom. That isn't what made it my most favorite, I just really like the outfit. For some reason I really liked the high turtle-necked sweaters. The layered look was really in style then, and I loved this little sweater over the red one. It was a shorter vest, called a bolero. The pants that went with the outfit were gray, wide-legged, high-waisted really neat pants. Because of the high-waist I felt so much taller. My hair was also naturally wavy. I had to use steam rollers to take out some of the waves. I don't think I look too bad in this picture. Too bad I didn't stay looking that way.

The rest of my sisters also look really great. I think this is one of the few pictures when we aren't all lined up according to age and standing straight and tall. It is nice to see a natural pose now and then. Anyway, a memory of clothes, hair-styles, and Christmas gifts.

Thanks for the Suggestions

Thanks for the suggestions about the trees. One in the bedroom would be nice, but we don't have much room. And Julie, do you remember how small my living room is with a bigger tree? The small one is very nice. One thing about a small cottage home, it doesn't take much to make it crowded. But, crowded is better than empty.
Sandra, we have had an artificial tree for several years, ever since one almost caught fire because it was so dry. I don't think of it as "fake" because it is a real Christmas tree with all the beautiful decorations. We spent a little bit more money to get a really nice one. It has red berries and pine cones scatter around it, and looks really beautiful. With pine scented candles, it still seems Christmasy.
I think I was just more worried about the "old person" part. I don't want to get where I don't want to decorate. But this year I really feel that Christmas is for children, and there aren't many children around our home. (Hint, hint, hint...) No one came to visit us last Christmas season. We did all the visiting, which was very nice and we would never complain about it. I guess I just miss the sound of kids running around the house, and Christmas has always been so exciting for the kids.
Oh....stop it! You will be crying and the students will be here in a few minutes. No more tears!
See you great, wonderful, awesome grandchildren tomorrow!

The Last of the Little Guys

When I was young, those words were said on a TV commercial for a car company. It just now popped into my mind...Crazy, huh? So, in teaching reading, we learn that students understand things better when they can "connect" to what they are reading....Just wait, I'll tie this all together. I can really connect with "the last of the little guys right now. I just finished the last Christmas stocking for the four little guys and two pretty girls. My little guys are getting to be so big, and they have had to wait for several years to get their own Christmas stocking from Grandma. This year it was finally Koy's turn and I have it all done, completed, stitched-up and ready for delivery before Thanksgiving. (However, I'm still thinking of doing a different one for Kayden because his doesn't hang very well)
Here is a picture of Koy's stocking.

The stocking was on the bed and I was standing to take the picture so it looks kind of out-of-shape. It really isn't as bad as it looks. The picture is all done by hand with counted-cross-stitches, some stitches have only 1 strand of thread and some have 5, giving it a dimensional look when up close. There are sparkly sequins on the lights on the Christmas tree, so it looks like the lights are shining. Garth and I decided on a fabric for the back that is a light green with candy canes which match the candy canes Santa is putting on the tree. Tammy picked out the pattern last year and I started on it as soon as the new year began. So, my yearly project is finally completed.
It has taken me over 6 years to get these 6 stockings done. Now I am ready for more grandchildren.......But in the meantime, more temple altar cloths (did two small ones, a large one, and almost done with another large one.) I also have a project I purchased a few years ago for Barrett's graduation which I haven't even started on yet. Maybe it will be done when he finishes his residency (sh.......don't tell him)
I also thought of something I might want to do by next Christmas for each grandchild, but I don't know if I could get them all done.........
So for my New Year's resolution......I keep getting up at 4:30 and spend some time making something with my hands.......
If I can ever get some glasses and contacts that actually help me to see! But, that is another story!

Who Wants Some?

I love to look through the little junkie catalogs that come in the mail. The ones with all the stuff you never buy but think it might be a good gift to give someone. I got one in the mail the other day...Really, someone else got it but it was put in my box accidentally. I didn't worry about giving it back to the postmaster because I have spoken with the person who it belonged to before and he/she said that if we get their mail to just go ahead and pay their bills, but they didn't want the catalogs to just have to throw away. So I took a few minutes to look through the things offered. I was excited to find something I thought I might buy! Then I thought, "Maybe all my children would like it, too." So now is your chance to say if you want it or not. What is it that was so good, you ask? A family tradition that has been passed along for many years, but none of my own children have them yet. And I don't think any of my sisters do either.....Are you wondering yet?

My mom always had a beautiful Christmas tree. We all know that she put the tinsel icicles on one at a time and made them all so even and covered so perfectly. Then we changed to a flocked tree. No more icicles. But then she found something even better. She found some crystal icicles. Not really crystal as in glass, but .... well, clear plastic that kind of glows in the dark. They have little hooks on the end that you hook onto the branches. She covered her tree with hundreds of these little icicles and it made it look like a tree that was out in the woods with dripping icicles on every branch. The year I got married she gave me a few packages of the icicles for my Christmas tree. I have used them every year since then. Some people think they are silly, but I love to have the lights out in the room and the Christmas lights on and see the icicles sparkling from the lights on the tree.

The catalog with junk had these icicles in it! You can buy 100 icicles in a package! I am so excited! Does anyone want some for their tree? You can pass on an old tradition! I am sure the kids would love to know they had a tree just like Grandma Labrum's tree, even if it is just a small tree. Come on. You know you are dying for some. Really. Just let me know and I will order them for you. You will have the best, prettiest Christmas tree in the neighborhood. Just let me know!
Until then.............have a happy holiday!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I used to love to spend time wrapping beautiful gifts and making fancy bows, but haven't had time for YEARS! Bags are easier.

2. Real tree or Artificial? I have lived through both eras. I loved my mom's real trees and have great memories of the family going to cut down the tree. But I hated to see my tree get so dried out so quickly. I love my beautiful artificial tree and when the candle is burning it still feels like Christmas, and I can enjoy it for so much longer after Christmas. I just might leave it up until Valentines Day. (If I even get it up before Christmas!)

3. When do you put up the tree? Usually the weekend of Thanksgiving. We finally got the small one in the living room up Wednesday. Hope to do the big one this weekend.
4. When do you take the tree down? Usually on New Year's Day, but see answer to #2 above.

5. Do you like eggnog? NO! but my wonderful husband does!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Has to be the year we got a piano for Christmas. I remember the piano in the corner with a card from Joan Snow saying that Santa had arranged for piano lessons for Ruanne and I. I am still enjoying that gift.

7. Hardest person to buy for? Everyone! I'm just not good at picking out gifts.

8. Easiest person to buy for? No one! I just can't seem to make it personal.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Where is mine? We have the little white ceramic one under the table top tree. Looks pretty good. After reading about all my children's nativity scenes, I might put that on my list to GIVE for next year!

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Do I have time?

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Can't think of one. But to clarify others that have been mentioned!!! I will not be mean to Kenny. He did the best he could....but when Tammy got that speller game (or whatever) it was kind of sad. She was about 16 or 17 and they had her name. A little game with flip up letters.....

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? MMMMMMMMMMMMMM.....could it be "The Night They Saved Christmas"? I will see it again in a few weeks.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Am I supposed to shop? I will probably start when it is too late.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? I love the raisin-fill cookies so I will ahve to visit Linda.... and my cheese ball, Ruanne's Oreo cookies, Julie's candy.....turkey and potato salad

16. Lights on the tree? Yes. White. But I also like all colored ones.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Of course President Sharp singing The Innkeeper's Song. And I wish I could find my CD of the Celtic Women Sing Christmas Songs.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I didn't like to travel on Christmas, but I will to see my grandchildren!

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Does Santa have reindeer?

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Why does that angel have a smile on her face?

21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? Any time but I need new pajamas...I wonder if anyone will buy me some? No, wait, I will pick out my own, thank you.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Students who don't do their work. Students who take the "fun" out of Christmas for others because they think they know someone that no one else knows and they want to tell everyone.

23. Favorite Ornament theme or color? My mom had a white flocked tree with gree decorations. I love our peach and blue tree, but I am also partial to the red and gold one upstairs. But no tree is complete without my icicles!

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Food

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I want to be able to sing the Christmas songs. It seems like I am always hoarse for Christmas and can't sing anything. I also want everyone else to have a great Christmas.
And I want phone calls and phone calls and phone calls!

Busy Weekend

I spent Saturday getting my supply of chili sauce for the year all bottled and ready for winter. Nicky was here and helped me by putting the tomatoes into the hot water and fishing them out and into the cold water. I peeled tomatoes, and peeled tomatoes, cut them and measured. Yes, I got all the salt and sugar in this year. It should be a good patch. All that cooking and stirring got us 11 1/2 pints of chili sauce. And Nicky got a good laugh at me trying to fish out the hot lids from the water. It was a quiet day because we didn't even have a BYU football game to watch.

Sunday morning I was very slow getting ready for church. The time just passed away and before I knew it, it was already 8:10 and I didn't have make-up or hair done, and was still in my robe. I hurried to get a sice of toast so I could take my medicine, then rushed to get thrown together and out the door. And we were still the first ones there! It was my turn to play the organ this month so I had to start by 8:45 (My rules, no one else's.) I just can't handle it when I walk into a meeting and there is no prelude music. It really sets the mood of the meeting IF someone is playing and someone else is listening. Lately, no one but Dad listens.

We were planning on rushing on up to SLC to listen to Lexi in her Primary program. She called Saturday night and really wanted us to come see her. I said we might not be able to get there, and I could hear the tears in her voice and it just broke my heart. I can't stand to hear my little ones cry! Big kids, cry all you want, but little one's can't. So, after a LONG meeting (overtime, no 'practice song'), we made it to their church just before it started. Man were Koy and Kayden excited to see Grandpa! Lexie was so good with her part and sang all the songs so well. We were glad to be able to be there.

We went to IHOP for lunch so Josh didn't need to cook dinner. Not that he isn't a good cook, but we were rushed to get back and wanted to have time to visit with the kids and.....just an excuse. I know Lexi loves IHOP, even if she didn't have a really great experience there. The one good thing was that Kayden at a whole pancake and 1/2 of another one! He was so proud of himself! He had to show us his empty mouth. He can stuff as much in his mouth as Barrett could at that age. But he chewed it and swallowed it all. We were so proud of him!

Dad and I got home in time for The Amazing Race and time to rest a little bit. It as a very busy weekend after a busy week.

This morning I finished Maxwell's name on his Christmas stocking! Now all I have to do is get the fabric for the back and get it sewn together and sent off. Making any bets about getting it all done by Christmas?

Now I am going to bed. I wrote two three page papers and I am tired.