…not concerning the historical holiday, but surrounding my own thoughts and experiences, since I was tagged by Megan at Sorta Crunchy for this “Christmas Hoopla”. OK, I’m not so good at quick random thoughts and avoid this type of exercise usually, but here goes….
1. I used to think the words were, “Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer yoogled down in history.”
2. Two of my favorite and most memorable childhood gifts were “shoe skates”(you know, instead of the strap on metal kind of roller skate) and a matching Gloria Vanderbilt outfit – courdoroy pants/ matching sweater with large swan insignia on front.
3. Wendy Reardon told me that there was no Santa at a Brownies meeting in the second grade, and when it was confirmed by my mom, I felt very grown up to have this secret knowledge that my siblings did not.
4. My sister and I were convinced that the red flashing radio tower light we could see from our bedroom window was Rudolph.
5. I have never seen the Nutcracker Ballet. I really want to though, and hope to take my own little ballerina next year!
6. But I have seen the Rockette’s Christmas Spectacular in New York City with my whole family thanks to the gift of my sister, Melissa and her husband Jeff! They went too, and it was spectacular!
7. I hate the thoughtless consumerism that goes on, but absolutely LOVE it when I can buy my kids something I know they really want. Stuffing their stockings is equally as enjoyable
8. As a child, I became a proficient gift wrapper at Rowland’s department store in Uvalde,TX during the season. (It was a family owned business)
9. My grandmother, Memo, made something every Christmas that she called “Divinity.” I HATED it, and for some time just the thought of it could make me gag. Now I think it was simply meringues, and I LOVE this gluten free treat! (Especially mint chocolate chip ones!)
10. My two favorite Christmas albums are Carpenter’s:An Old Fashioned Christmas (Karen Carpenter’s voice always reminds me of Christmas) and Christmas with the Rat Pack. Consequently, my daughter’s favorite “Christmas carol” is “Baby, it’s Cold Outside.”
11. When my sister and I didn’t share a room, we used to “move in” together for the Christmas season, and decorate with extra tree lights, etc. Actually, now that I think of it, I don’t think we ever lasted until Christmas Day – too much proximity.
12. I never watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” in it’s entirety until 2 years ago – but I’m so glad I finally did.
There you have it, and since I think I’m now supposed to “tag” others, then how about Margo, Kim, Courtney, and the Campbells. (Sorry guys, this feels a little like a chain letter!)