what's in the letter?
what ... does it Say?
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Last Spring I found a few old Christmas Letters
in a binder when I was going through a cabinet.
They brought up so many memories for me in times less Busy.
in a binder when I was going through a cabinet.
They brought up so many memories for me in times less Busy.
As I read them over again I thought I'd share this one with you.
It's an old letter about even older Christmas memories and when reading it I immediately went back in time - it felt like watching an old Movie just missing the sleigh ride.
Here goes - wishing now it was shorter
Here goes - wishing now it was shorter
it starts with
Good Tidings to You
Each year the holiday season is a special time that provides us with opportunities for creating memories, wonder, connection, reflection and if you let it, stillness.
Growing up on the Canadian prairies, the holidays offered moments to walk in the crisp new snow, bundle up with many layers of soft warm clothes, mittens and scarves, listen to the squeaky sounds of winter, and be able to see your breath so you knew it was right there with you.
I remember walking on a milder evening with a friend while beautiful snowflakes fell and talking for hours about nothing important but it felt the Best.
I remember being able to walk over to relatives to drop off presents instead of mailing them and getting to see them thankfully placed under their tree, and then having a cup of warm cocoa and some homemade cookies. I got to go along to the store to buy the big turkey, and help pick out the most beautiful Christmas tree to decorate.
It was always the best when I got to place the angel on top, and then to feel the pause in the air when the tree lights were first turned on.
And, there was nothing better than helping fill tins with freshly baked cookies and getting to eat the ones that were not quite perfect.
I remember anxiously waiting for family to return home for the holidays, and sitting at the long decorated dinner table for hours with our best china and silverware over second and third helpings, and then the finale - Mom's Christmas pudding for dessert!
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| Photo by S. Anderson |
I would like to be able to again listen to their stories so I could remember them, to see and hear what my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles other relatives and dearest family friends talked about then, how they all laughed and connected and most of all, to learn more about who they were.
As a child we often get little glimpses inside the people around us without the opportunity to really know them and their stories. We think there will be lots of time later but unfortunately life and time always changes our world and those in it.
Our daily lives are different from back then to now, but in so many ways the same.
Even with all the changes and differences, I think the important things, the hope and the desserts of our life are the same, to love and to be loved, to laugh and smile, be happy and healthy and know that someone is there to notice, to see us and be part of our lives.
To make new memories and joy through our laughter and smiles, enjoy each bite of the food we eat together, and just sit and talk for awhile about nothing important but it will be the best.
And while the earth in this part of the world is preparing to rest now for the winter and we say bye to 2011 and welcome 2012, I will take some time to pause for awhile and celebrate with gratitude all that is in my present life, my hopes for the future, and I'll bring along other wonderful memories of the past to enjoy again!
And to you, a Happy New Year ...
now can I have some more pudding please!
Thank You for visiting today.
PS.
That was the last time I wrote a big Christmas letter - later I just wrote little notes in the cards and sadly the cards and notes got less and less each year.
Looking back now, I wonder if I should have continued a few years longer.(?)
Have You ever revisited some old letters you wrote -
for me, it was a wonderful way to connect to who I
was in that time of my life.
Links for sharing below and comments welcomed.
Photo's added for this post.
Photo of Barn was taken by Sandra Anderson.
B&W copy is in Simply, One Breath At a Time
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cookies, I saw the word cookies somewhere - YUM.
what's your favorite kind of Cookie
Family Christmas's have been very different over the years while moving and no family near by, the kids growing up and leavening home or moving somewhere else like we did, and now mostly it's just Ma & Pa and the turkey for 2. This year even more limited due to covid. It's times like this that make those memories so special. 2 years ago our son visited for a few days and we put a puzzle together. He was so patient even while having it upside down to him. When our daughter visits we go out and leave the guys to cook which they love to do. We'll all stay safe this year so we can visit next year and those special occasions like Christmas can be any day you make it.
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