Christmas Memories, Part 2...

The magic of Christmas morning!
        It was with excitement and anticipation I eagerly awaited the arrival of Christmas day! 
       On Christmas morning none of us were allowed to enter the living room until our parents told us we were allowed.  I wouldn’t even peek into the living room, but I always thought my sisters did! We would get dressed, and stand in the door way of our bedrooms, waiting for mom and dad to tell us when we could come into the living room (asking, and asking. . .  if we were allowed yet; and always the three of us entering together!).
       As we entered, Mom would be sitting on the sofa and Dad would be standing near her. The lights on the tree would be shinning and all the presents were under the tree and wrapped beautifully, with ribbons and bows.  Our stockings would be stuffed full. . .  each of us had our own area under the tree where our presents would be. . .  mine was in front of the tree, my oldest sister was on the left side, and my other sister was to the right side of the tree. It was always a glorious time. . .  my parents exceeded all expectations at Christmas!

       I never remember having a list long of items I wanted Santa to bring me, just one special gift that I wanted more than anything else.  I knew that whatever else Santa would bring would be wonderful and no matter what I’d be happy!

For me that one gift I wanted Santa to bring was usually a doll. I still remember the dolls I received and even in the order of Christmases. . .
      Chatty Cathy, Charming Chatty, Cheerful Tearful, Baby first step, Skipper (Barbie's little sister) and Liddle Kiddles.
Amazing, considering my memory now!
      This is a picture of me and my two sisters with my Chatty Cathy & Charming Catty dolls. I was 5 years old in this picture. 

Some of the presents I remember at Christmas throughout my childhood:

       Cecil the sea serpent and his disguises

       My first two wheel bike. . .  pink and white!

       My toboggan. . .   it was made from real wood and it had a red cushion.

       My record player. . .  and albums from the sound track of the Sound of Music, Julie Andrews' best hits, A Christmas Carol, and Sleeping beauty!

       My first wrist watch. . .  silver Timex.

       My first transistor radio. . .  with ear plugs!

       A 2 foot tall stuffed Snoopy dog.

       A big bright orange stuffed mouse (yes, I loved stuffed animals!).

Usually Christmas dinner was just the five of us, but my great Aunt Emma would sometimes take a turn having dinner at our house.

Christmas dinner was another glorious affair. . .  a white linen table cloth, the good dishes, the best glasses, and the real silver flatware set formally with napkins and bread & salad plates, etc.

There would be ham, scalloped potatoes, sweet potatoes, salad, vegetables, fruit, a relish tray, and bread and rolls. I remember stuffing balls made from rye bread (yum!) and no Christmas would be complete without more of the Jell-O salad. . .  and COOKIES, Cookies, cookies! 

I have tried to remember what we would do on Christmas in the evening, but I just don't seem to remember. Maybe we all fell asleep from eating too much and exhaustion!

        As we enter into another Christmas season, I hope that you have a blessed and Merry Christmas. And that all your memories bring you happiness and joy!

       I would enjoy reading some of your Christmas memories...