Phew! Only one more holiday to go! But New Years is kid’s stuff compared to the Big Enchilada: Christmas. What a production! I feel like a Mack truck hit me, but, you know, in a good sort of way.
I wish I could be more relaxed about these things; having the house clean and not getting so caught up in making everything just right. But at this point, it’s kind of hard to change. My sister Irene’s the same way. Tidiness was passed down to us from our mother, who got it from her mother.
It’s worth all the hard work, though, seeing the family gathered ‘round, talking and eating and laughing, and eating some more. And me not diverted by some dust bunny lurking in the corner. It gives me a feeling of satisfaction and I go to bed thinking, This was the best Christmas ever!
I honestly can’t say what my favorite Christmas was, growing up. They all blend together: a baby doll in a crib, a new tricycle, an aluminum children’s cookware set, my very first Barbie, penny loafers, an eye shadow kit, tickets for me and Charlie to see Jerry Lee Lewis in Bangor.
My Dad says his favorite Christmas was when we was five years old. He got a little lantern (just like his father’s, only kid size) to use when they went out to the barn to look after the animals. His parents also gave him a small axe, so he could help his Dad chop wood. Can you imagine: five year old with a sharp axe and a working lantern? Times have changed!
My nieces and nephews are pretty much grown up, now, but you know what? I miss having children around during the holidays less than I thought I would. Now, it’s not about the presents, it’s spending time with the people I love.
As I get older, Christmas also about the empty chairs at the table. I miss Aunt Celina’s date nut balls rolled in coconut, the sight of my grandfather teasing my grandmother about something, and her pretending to be peeved, but you could tell she really liked it. I miss the taste of my Grammy’s gravy and the smell of her perfume. I miss my mom and the way things used to be.
So when I say, “This was the best Christmas ever,” it has a different meaning then when I was a kid or even when I was a young adult. Now, what I think I mean is I appreciate and am grateful for this special time together, and I’m going to hang onto every moment because who knows what the next Christmas will bring. But for now, we’re together and isn’t that a wonderful thing?
That’s it for now. Catch you on the flip side!
Hear Ida Tell It: Our Best Christmas Ever
Coming up:
December 31: A Holiday Visit With Ida, Maple Suites, 7:00 p.m., Dover NH
For a dose of holiday cheer, check out videos of Ida’s Christmas stories.