Search This Blog

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Special Christmas Memories by Linda Broday



When I was growing up in the 50’s and 60’s, my favorite things to play with (when I wasn’t reading a book) were dolls. I liked the limp kind that seemed like a real baby, where the arms and legs flopped around. The more realistic the better, especially the ones that had eyes that closed when you laid her down. And I was in sheer heaven when I got a Betsy Wetsy one year. I loved changing her diapers.

I still have to this day the very last doll I got for Christmas. I think I was about ten years old and a little old for dolls so I didn't play with it much.

Then, when I got around ten or twelve years old my youngest sister and I became obsessed with paper dolls. We’d patiently cut out their clothes with tabs and dress them up. We’d make up stories and have the cardboard dolls act them out. We spent umpteen hours on end playing with them.

Christmas was a special time for us. Growing up poor, I didn't expect a whole lot because I was aware pretty early on about our lack of money so my Santa list only included a couple of items. 

My sister and I usually got two toys then the rest was needed things like clothes and socks. Here's a picture of me that was taken on Christmas Day about 1955 with all my goodies except stocking stuff which was usually an apple, an orange, nuts of some kind and a few pieces of ribbon candy.

Today, kids get I-Pads, XBoxes, I-Phones and all kinds of expensive things that parents spend at least a thousand dollars on. And stockings gifts amount to a pretty penny. Kids see no fruit or nuts in theirs.

But do they appreciate it? Most don't. They expect (sometimes demand) certain gifts and throw huge fits if they don't get whatever their hearts desire.

I'd love to go back to the old days when simple was the norm and kids were happy just knowing they were loved.

I remember one Christmas in particular around 1959. My daddy had gotten severely burned on his job and was in the hospital. We didn't know if he'd make it. My mother spent all her time by his beside. So I knew that we'd not get anything but that didn't worry me. I just wanted my daddy to get well. I remember my brother who was seven years older tucking us into bed because Mama was at the hospital. I said my prayers and asked God to let my daddy live.

When I woke up Christmas morning, Mama was there and she was smiling for the first time in weeks. She told us Daddy had turned a corner and would make it. That was certainly the most memorable Christmas I ever had. I still cry when I think of it as I'm doing now.

So on this Christmas, on day of Jesus' birth, I wish you all health, happiness, and much love. May you find contentment and joy in your hearts.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!



10 comments:

  1. Hi Linda: What a beautiful tribute to your father. Hugs. Julie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Julie! Thanks for coming over. I loved sharing this memory that has become part of the fabric of who I am. That was such a scary time but even as young as I was, I recognized what was truly important. I was so fortunate that I got to have my dad for many more years.

      Wishing you a Merry Christmas, dear friend!!

      Delete
  2. I grew up in the same time period you did. It was simpler, for certain. I loved the picture of you with a skinned knee. You were adorable. What a wonderful piece of family history you shared. I'm so glad it turned out well and that you were able to spend years with your dad. Your story reminds me we should have gratitude for the people in our lives, not the things.
    Have a wonder Christmas and a very happy New Year, Linda.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sarah! I loved those simpler times and the slower pace of life. I really appreciate the wonderful values those times gave me. Because of that I have a greater awareness and am sure to give thanks every day for all I've been given.

      Merry Christmas to you! I hope your is full of fun and a whole lot of love.

      Delete
  3. Thank you for sharing your special memories. Mine was being in the hospital, I think I was 5, with double pneumonia and measles, and Santa visited. I knew it was our neighbor, and insisted on such. But the effort everyone went to is what made it special. Doris

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Doris! I'm glad you enjoyed my post. It has been really difficult for me to open up and share such personal things but I'm getting better. How horrible for you being in the hospital during Christmas and at such a young age! I'm sure you hated that. But how wonderful of your neighbor and parents to make it special for you. That's what it's all about.

      Merry Christmas! I wish you the best ever.

      Delete
  4. Hello Linda,
    Such a sweet story. It reads like a Hallmark Christmas Special. I love it. I too grew up in a home without much money. You know the old saying love grows in small houses. And you learn to appreciate things when you don't have much. Lesson's learned as a child were more important than any gift. Honesty, integrity, hard work and respect are all things lacking in society today. Your blog brought back a lot of sweet memories of the hours my sisters and I would spend playing with baby dolls when we were younger and then cutting out paper dolls when we got a bit older. Such fun times.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Barbara! I'm glad you enjoyed it and that I could bring back memories of the wonderful times you had with your sisters. Some would say we were deprived but I certainly wasn't. I wouldn't trade those simpler times for anything.

      Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! I hope love of family surrounds you.

      Delete
  5. What a beautiful post, Linda. I got absolutely teary-eyed. I so remember the "treat" bag we got from the congregation after our Christmas program at church...yes, an orange, nuts and ribbon candy! Our most memorable Christmas was when our newborn daughter battled bacterial meningitis. We waited for three horrible days to see if she would live, and THEN, praying she would not suffer blindness, deafness, or brain damage. On Christmas Eve, just as we were leaving for church with our two-year old son, (yes, we spent hours at the neonatal unit, but the pediatrician was adamant we NOT forget Christmas with our little boy) when we got the brilliant news that not only would she survive, but she would have no deficits. I still remember just bawling at that overwhelming news. God be praised. Blessed Christmas to you and yours, my wonderful friend,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Tanya! Now you made me cry. I can't imagine anything scarier than having a sick baby at Christmas. You must've been terrified. I'm so glad you received a miracle. I'm constantly struck by God's infinite mercy and love. This will be a sad time for you probably since it's so soon after the loss of your son's best friend. I pray that you find peace and take joy in your family.

      Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

      Delete