Christmas memories
When I was a kid I always became excited at Christmas time.
As Dad was my only parent he always made every effort to ensure that I enjoyed the day. As long as I can remember I used to have a pillowcase at the end of my bed on Christmas Eve and always woke early, probably about 6 o’clock on Christmas Day and excitedly began opening my presents.
Though Dad must hardly have been able to afford it he always ensured that my presents were fun and varied. Many of them I am not able to recall now, but a couple I can. There were always sweets, and always an out-of-tune mouthorgan.
I must have had a musical ear because this toy used to drive me crazy! I always made sure later when I had kids and gave them anything musical that they were in tune.
I had two friends about my age who lived nearby, but neither of them received such good presents, or as many as I did. This shows the effort that my Dad went to for me for Christmas.
I remember at about the age of nine I was persuaded that Santa didn’t exist and I asked my Dad. He was adamant that this wasn’t true, Santa did exist. A few days later I received a fancy letter through the post from Santa. It was typed with nice words and was covered in colourful stickers. I was convinced and my belief was restored. I treasured that letter for some time afterwards.
Christmas is a very special time of year. It was for me because my Dad made it special, and I’m sure that because of this it was also a special day for him.
(Please excuse a reprint of this story)
9 comments:
Your dad sounds wonderful!
My daughter is 10 and her friends tell her that Santa doesn't exist, but I always tell her that he does and that the magic of Christmas exists for those who still believe - no matter what our age!
A nice Christmas tribute to your Dad, Dave. I'm sure he taught you a lot of life's good lessons.
Dave, I glad ya reposted this,
thanks
Fi, he was wonderful. You did the right thing by your daughter I think. Let them enjoy their childhood as long as they can.
Hilary, my Dad was a good man and was liked and trusted by everyone. He left me a good reputation to live up to. Thanks for this nice comment Hilary.
Thanks Jel for this. Glad you liked it - Dave
Great story.. thanks for sharing this!
My kids were too smart to believe Father Christmas could come down our chimney with a built in solid fuel burner, but I impressed on them NEVER to let on to younger children, and I stressed the various tales of the REAL St Nicholas which appear in many cultures, and encompass many different traditions. It never stopped them leaving a mince pie for Santa and a carrot for Rudolf on the mantelpiece above their Christmas stockings! LOL
Precious memories from your very special Dad.
Your pleasure and excitement was reward enough for him.
Thanks for reprinting this tribute.
Ruby, thanks.
Penny, yes. you can fool all of the children some of the time ....
Sue, thanks for that nice comment - Dave
Hello Dave,
I am impressed with your story, partly because I had only one parent. My father was killed when he was 29 years en was (and I was only 6) and my mother was left with five children. She was also pregnant again.
We also received gifts and did not realize that Santa Claus did not exist (we always celebrated St. Nicholas on December 5, and gifts at Christmas was not so with us. Now, though).
Later, I was sad because my mom all the gifts themselves had to buy anyway, but she has fond memories of us have left :-)
Kind regards, Helma
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