Christmas

A Christmas to remember
After 37 years of family Christmas’ experiences, this year was a little different with just the two of us being here at home. It was OK, and as you all have your own lives and families to consider, we heard from all of you through out the day with much to reflect on in our lives.
Rememberance from my past:
1960 Church groups collect toys, dolls, and hula hoops and then deliver them to our neighborhood (Hazelton Avenue). I guess we were considered an under-privileged community. Dinner at grandmother or Aunt Pat’s house would include the men leaving to raid the local Christmas tree Lot, (everything was free after midnight) so off they would go and bring back trees and wreaths that we would burn in the fireplace for a nice Christmas smell.
1970 – Mission, Ketchikan Alaska - What was supposed to be a White Christmas changed suddenly when it rained and melted the snow away. College students from all over, arrived home to spend the holidays with family. Being a small branch they gathered and provided memories and correspondence that still lives through today.
1971 – Mission, Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Plenty of the white stuff this year and cold -40. Drove to Kamloops on Christmas eve, eve, (Dec 23) to avoid morning travel in bad weather for district meeting. Arriving late for church late, (evening Sacrament Meeting) we snuck in the back door and grabbed the two closed available seats in the small chapel… just happened to be the Choir area however. When the choir stood, so did we, and though they covered for us well, it was probably the worst rendition I have ever heard of, “Oh Holy Night.” Spent Christmas eve with Part member family. Lots of fun tubing in the bitter cold. Next morning was Christmas and when we drove to the Indian reservation, we were the only Santa to many of the children.
Hope you have a Merry Christmas and please remember to make memories for your families.
Dad