...and with it naturally comes memories of past years.
Funny how childlike we become this time of year. My Christmas memories are wonderful.
In the small town I grew up, Santa would ride around town upon our fire truck on the Friday night before Christmas. As soon as we heard the siren we would all gather on our porch steps to watch him go by. Then the next morning the entire town would go to the VFW. We all got to see Santa, sit on his lap, and tell him our tall Christmas wish list. Then he gave each of us a gift and the town served up hot dogs, soda, and a full day of fun and games.
I remember my brother and I being so excited about Santa's impending visit to our home that we couldn't sleep. My parents were big on decorations and tradition, so they did all the tree trimming and preparation on Christmas Eve after we were put to bed for the night. I remember bursting out of bed 3 or 4 AM, fleeing down the stairs only to stop and stare in amazement at Santa's handywork. The tree twinkled with lights and ornaments, presents made mountains up both walls and lay scattered beneath all around the base. And the only thing left of the cookies and milk we'd left out for Santa was a few crumbs upon the plate.
Mom and Dad must have just crawled their way to bed but up they got without complaint and seemingly as excited as we. Then the opening of presents began. Of course we weren't done yet because Christmas day the relatives would visit with more presents. And sometimes we would go out and visit, as well. It seemed the gifts never ended.
Memories of happy Christmas' leave my heart warmed but I miss the childlike innocence and anticipation the holiday always brought. I do, however, keep it in how I celebrate the holiday. I decorate, I used to bake up a storm-these days I don't do much of that, so little time but oh the smells of Toll House cookies baking. Another wonderful part of the holiday.
And the holiday Christmas specials. I watch them! Every year! I always have and I always will. From the cartoons of long ago to the new special movies of today. They are all so wonderful. The tales so loving. Even Scrooge is lovable, don't you agree?
Hey! What holiday special is your ultimate favorite. Do you like 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' or maybe 'The Charlie Brown Christmas Special'? Pehaps you absolutely love 'Scrooge' with Alistair Sim(My favorite oldtime movie), or 'A Christmas Carol' with George C. Scott. How about 'All I Want for Christmas' or maybe 'The Little Matchstick Girl'?
Why not take a moment to comment and post your favorite? Then stay turned. I'll draw a name on Christmas day for a free download of my newest release, Eternal Obsession, an erotic vampire short.
Anyway, I have a little song lyric to post now to guide you along the Christmas Sleigh Ride, so here we go...
"Ring a ding-ding, wrapping presents hearts reflect
The fire's glow, I have you underneath the mistletoe..."
Hint: One of the most popular and awarding winning Christmas specials featured this song.
And to spread more Christmas cheer, we're giving one lucky person a $75 Wild Rose Press gift certificate! All you need to do to enter is attend each day's blog post, identify the carol, and make a complete carol list to submit after the final blog post of Christmas Eve. Don't forget to check the list twice! Send it to Christmasrideblog@live.com by midnight, CST Dec. 31st 2008!
Next blog on the run: http://lianalaverentz.blogspot.com/
Best of luck to you all:) Hope you are enjoying the sleigh ride.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! Ho! Ho! Ho!
Dayana~
