[rick-in-seattle]

Christmas Tradition

Christmas has always held a special place in my heart; with family gathering together; the wonderful smells; and the presents, we mustn’t forget the presents.
Children today don’t hold the same anticipation of Christmas as when I was young.

They know they will be getting the annual four hundred dollar electronics box.
The one that occupies every waking hour of their time until the next (latest and greatest) game marvel comes along. Today, it really doesn’t matter if children are naughty or nice; they insist Santa is a kids story; a fable for the gullible. That doesn’t alter the fact; they will be expecting what they want under the tree Christmas morning.

The “good old days” weren’t nearly as comfortable as the present; but I do regret the loss of traditional values. When I was young, we wore our best clothes on Sundays, which included a white shirt and freshly polished shoes. Dinner was eaten at the kitchen table; we ate together; and we ate the same food.

As a child on Christmas Eve, I could always be found hiding behind the tree hoping to catch Santa as he filled our stockings. I would be wearing my blue PJs with the feet at the bottom of the legs; and the zipper that ran up to the collar. Sometimes I would fall asleep behind the tree and wake up next morning in my bed.

I like to believe there really is a jolly old Elf in a red suit; I never caught him when I was a child, but I came pretty close once.

I remember a perfect December with plenty of snow and long Icicles hanging from the gutters. The smell of cookies, oranges and pine trees filled the house. Stockings were hung and the cookies and milk for Santa had been placed in just the right location.

You could cut the anticipation with a knife as I hid behind the tree waiting for Santa.
As the big clock struck twelve, I was ready; never before had I stayed awake this late on Christmas Eve. When the last chime sounded, I heard footsteps coming from the big room with the fireplace.
I peeked through the branches hoping to catch a glimpse of the fat man himself.
Then what to my wondering eyes should appear?
But my wife, not displaying the slightest Christmas cheer.

She looked at my PJs as I stood there alone; then said; “If only I had my camera phone”.

[BobD]

LOL...Rick...I LOVE IT!!!!!! Great story!!!!

Bob

[JIM QUILICI]

Rick,
Now thats what I,m talking about........... not much wisdom there.lol...... but that was funny.
Jim

[Canopener]

Good one Rick, I have been missing your fractured little anecdotes.
Jim

[Merle Rice]

Thanks for posting Rick. Very nice Christmas Story. Brought back a lot of old good memories. Christmas Spirit has arrived. Feels Good. Thanks Again.. Merle

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

"on Christmas Eve, I could always be found hiding behind the tree hoping to catch Santa as he filled our stockings. I would be wearing my blue PJs with the feet at the bottom of the legs; and the zipper that ran up to the collar. Sometimes I would fall asleep behind the tree and wake up next morning in my bed."


why do I get the feeling this was Christmas 2006?

[wood-whittler]

rick,


lol...... great story i could almost see jim standing and waiting.

bart

[Thomp]

Great story rick,

Know i know what you think about while your doing tedious work....

great to hear from ya again,

[Eddy Smiles]

Great tale Rick! You had me right to the end!

[Marci MN]

Great tale! I liked that one!! And I ditto the others.. I miss reading your posts too.. good to see you back again.