My dad also had to string the lights perfectly and place the lighted star on top. All kids followed hanging beautiful sparkling ornaments and tinsel. Under the skirt lined tree dad would methodically arrange a beautiful village with lighted houses, some trees, small groups of children and adults, and my favorite was the glass skating pond. Lastly was the Manger. A straw covered barn under which he placed Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in the crib. Watching over the holy family were the 3 Wise Men, accompanied by a cow, donkey, camel, and a shepherd with his sheep. A bright star hung above the manger scene. Everyone’s pride and joy was complete. At night I would lay beneath the twinkling lights dreamy thoughts of Santa’s arrival.
Beautiful memories, beautifully written, Josie. I am pleased that I rekindled your memories and evoked some emotion. It's what every writer tries to do. Merry Christmas.
Jews are not supposed to celebrate Christmas, but I was raised in a unique family to have one of the only Christmas trees in the neighborhood. As I became a parent, my family continued the tradition, periodically having all the children and attending adults create new ornaments for the tree. It was a way to celebrate happiness, anticipation, love and respect. Of course, we called it the Hanukkah Bush, and passer-byes always saw it in the window. When questioned why we have a Christmas tree, I responded that Jesus was Jewish so I always assumed that Christmas was ecumenical...even Catholic, if you read the definition in the dictionary.
Ed, I so enjoyed reading about your dad's Christmas tree. It reminds me of my father and how our family had our own tree traditions and
It would start with Dad and I driving to some roadside seller where he would look at a dozen or trees before picking the 'perfect' one. He'd tie it to the top of his old Dodge and off we'd go. Once home, he'd trim the bottom and put it on a stand.
Decorating the tree was a family affair putting on all the glass ornaments and lights. When done, it was Mom's job to put on the 'rain',
(Icicles) as she called them.
Then it was my job to arrange a complete miniature village on a white sheet 'landscape'all around the tree bottom. The routine never changed year to year. Dad was a traveling salesman for the BC Headache Co. (Think Aspirin) Traveling through Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and parts of Louisiana. BC was a southern product and until 10 years ago was not to be found in RI. Then one day I saw a package of BC's in a drug store and bought them. To honor his memory at Christmas time I saved the box, put a hook on it and proudly display it as ornament on our family Christmas tree where it is to this day. JC Yuill
Yes, the competition was fun. I can't let go of the story and reprise it every year. Fun days, Carol. Some say I live in a world of nostalgia. I thank them for it.
Ed, what a beautiful story that should be carried on for generations to come. Pops, Santa shared many Christmases with you, and you kept the tradition which makes for a happy family Christmas and maybe a healthy tear or two. Buon Natale
Dear Ed,
What a heartwarming story.
My dad also had to string the lights perfectly and place the lighted star on top. All kids followed hanging beautiful sparkling ornaments and tinsel. Under the skirt lined tree dad would methodically arrange a beautiful village with lighted houses, some trees, small groups of children and adults, and my favorite was the glass skating pond. Lastly was the Manger. A straw covered barn under which he placed Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in the crib. Watching over the holy family were the 3 Wise Men, accompanied by a cow, donkey, camel, and a shepherd with his sheep. A bright star hung above the manger scene. Everyone’s pride and joy was complete. At night I would lay beneath the twinkling lights dreamy thoughts of Santa’s arrival.
Beautiful memories, beautifully written, Josie. I am pleased that I rekindled your memories and evoked some emotion. It's what every writer tries to do. Merry Christmas.
What a beautiful and wonderful story! thanks for sharing!
Merry Christmas, Natalie
Jews are not supposed to celebrate Christmas, but I was raised in a unique family to have one of the only Christmas trees in the neighborhood. As I became a parent, my family continued the tradition, periodically having all the children and attending adults create new ornaments for the tree. It was a way to celebrate happiness, anticipation, love and respect. Of course, we called it the Hanukkah Bush, and passer-byes always saw it in the window. When questioned why we have a Christmas tree, I responded that Jesus was Jewish so I always assumed that Christmas was ecumenical...even Catholic, if you read the definition in the dictionary.
It was a way to celebrate happiness, anticipation, love and respect.
. . . I love it. Thanks, Larry
Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas
Ed, I so enjoyed reading about your dad's Christmas tree. It reminds me of my father and how our family had our own tree traditions and
It would start with Dad and I driving to some roadside seller where he would look at a dozen or trees before picking the 'perfect' one. He'd tie it to the top of his old Dodge and off we'd go. Once home, he'd trim the bottom and put it on a stand.
Decorating the tree was a family affair putting on all the glass ornaments and lights. When done, it was Mom's job to put on the 'rain',
(Icicles) as she called them.
Then it was my job to arrange a complete miniature village on a white sheet 'landscape'all around the tree bottom. The routine never changed year to year. Dad was a traveling salesman for the BC Headache Co. (Think Aspirin) Traveling through Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and parts of Louisiana. BC was a southern product and until 10 years ago was not to be found in RI. Then one day I saw a package of BC's in a drug store and bought them. To honor his memory at Christmas time I saved the box, put a hook on it and proudly display it as ornament on our family Christmas tree where it is to this day. JC Yuill
What a beautiful story, John. And a lovely, memorable Family event. Innovative with the BC box. Love it. Thank you for sharing
Merry Christmas
Wonderful memories! Your stories are beautiful poetry!💕
Thank you, Sheila. Un grande abbraccio
Wonderful / poignant / familiar
I love nostalgia, Roger. Merry Christmas
Thank you, Ed, for bringing back all the memories. Such wonderment!
Thanks, Ed. Yes, a total package of wonder in those years. Merry Christmas
Thanks, Ed, for sharing your memories, and for stirring memories in our own heads.
Buon Natale!
Ron
Thanks, Ron. Altrettanto.
Love that story😊. Remember how our Dads bickered over who had the better tree. Those were the days!
Yes, the competition was fun. I can't let go of the story and reprise it every year. Fun days, Carol. Some say I live in a world of nostalgia. I thank them for it.
Ed, is there a better world when day is done?
Well, Peter, I'm hoping. What I do know is that there are many good, very good people out there.
Awww....I always live this story ❤️
Yup. I can't let it go, Laurie. So I reprise it every year. Fun days. And . . . The Santa is hanging today on our tree!
Thanks, Ed. That's what the Holidays are all about.
Indeed! Merry Christmas
Ed, what a beautiful story that should be carried on for generations to come. Pops, Santa shared many Christmases with you, and you kept the tradition which makes for a happy family Christmas and maybe a healthy tear or two. Buon Natale
Thank you, Peter. The Santa lives on this year's tree.
Buon Natale, Peter.
Great story! I always look forward to Monday mornings to read your next chapter.
Thanks, Mike. Much appreciated
Merry Christmas
Thank you, Dr. Ed. And to you as well.
What a great story as usual. I always look forward for next one.
Thanks, Jim. Merry Christmas to You and Your Family. Quite a lovely gang.
Beautiful! Loved the happiness when finding Santa Claus - an icon for lovely memories of decorating your tree.
An icon for sure, Mary. Merry Christmas