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The Christmas Gift

christmas cupMy memory filter is mostly a positive one, and for that I am grateful.  It is especially positive when I look back on Christmas days.  Perhaps, that is part of the magic…

We remember the year I made the Christmas breakfast casserole with flavored creamer instead of milk, because I just could not take myself off to the store one more time, and breakfast was awful!  I set a new low for Christmas breakfast that year…

With just four of us at the farm on Christmas day, it was quieter than the norm.

My Loving Spouse made me a gift for my desk (The Realm) at work.  I plan to keep it far away from all the little hooligan’s hands.christmas nameIt was finally time to give Number Two Son a special gift from me and his Papa.  My Dad in winter could often be seen in his favorite hand knit sweater, bought on a trip to Ireland.  Mom had to add leather patches on the elbows where Dad had worn them through.  She also had to add a name label in the collar, so the sweater could be returned to Dad after the multiple times he left it at the golf course.  This picture could be called ‘Classic Joe’.Christmas papa sweaterNumber Two Son has grown big enough and his Papa loved him so much…christmas papa's sweaterNumber Two also stated he’d love some ‘tap shoes’ for Christmas, so My Loving Spouse made him a pair.christmas shoesWe were quietly playing cards when our neighbor called.  He had his toys out, did we want to play?  We all quickly decided that the card game could wait, especially as some of us were loosing badly.  There is nothing better than a neighbor with fun toys who wants to share!

Most of us had never been on a snow mobile before.  It was a high-pitched squealing good time and my neighbor’s ears may still be ringing!christmas riderOh, my it was a little bit like flying over snow.  I now nod much more enthusiastically when My Loving Spouse repeats words he’s been saying for a few years….

‘We really need to find a snow mobile.  They are so much fun!’christmas rideTwo snow mobiles and a big open field, just mind you do not run into the cows.christmas cowsWe piled into our neighbor’s house to thank them for such fun!

“We’ve never been on a snow mobile before!!!”

A Sister-in-law looked at us oddly and said,

‘Where did you come from?’ 

“Southern California…near the Rose Bowl”

‘Oh, that explains it…’  I believe she was thinking we might have landed from Mars.

We returned home, to be beaten by My Girl in our card game…invigorated, happy and blessed.

{ 9 comments… add one }
  • Diane December 31, 2015, 8:36 am

    What a wonderful way to enjoy all of that snow!

  • Miriam December 30, 2015, 11:28 am

    What a WONDERFUL Christmas story! Snowmobiles, a special sweater and “tap” shoes! Has Number Two son tried them out yet? 🙂

    • Ellen Walton December 30, 2015, 1:15 pm

      Thank you Mims!
      The shoes are a bit tricky to put on!
      I hope your time was lovely, Happy New Year!

  • David Gifford December 29, 2015, 10:01 am

    Ellen, as you will know in your heart already the photo of my “Dad” in his chair and then to see the familiar sweater on your young man who looks so much like you has left me as I type with an eerie almost light headedness. Now, where’s a bottle of Lauders to complete the picture? Big Brother David, the other David

    • Ellen Walton December 29, 2015, 9:06 pm

      Dear Brother,
      I did know that the Classic ‘Joe’ picture would most probably ‘get’ you..but that is the love that still lingers isn’t it! Riley loves the sweater and I am glad that he is old enough to have it now…
      Much love to you, dear one.

  • John December 29, 2015, 9:06 am

    Love, love, love the cobbler’s sense of humor (or is it humour?)! Happy New Year to all of you.

    • Ellen Walton December 29, 2015, 9:07 pm

      Dear Dear John,
      I do believe that it is ‘humour’!! Glad that you enjoyed it so!
      Happy New Year to you all!

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