I was in elementary school and just days before Christmas, Martin & Jones delivery truck pulled up in our driveway. They carried in one of those big cabinet stereos. Dads gift to Mom. She was so thrilled. I vividly remember the classic Christmas songs flowing from the stereo. Which just added an extra touch to the feel of the season. You see, Christmas was this magical time of year at our house. The house was transformed into a wonderland. WE EVEN HAD A FAKE CARDBOARD FIREPLACE! Stockings with our names, tinsel, candles in the windows (with red tip flame bulbs of course) sparkly red wreaths with candles in the center, cards from friends & family taped on the trim between living room and kitchen, a festive tablecloth with a candle centerpiece on the kitchen table, little elves perched on the kitchen window sill that Mom had collected with purchase of dish liquid, and best of all the tree. The tree that twinkled in all different colors. I remember laying on the couch on school mornings waiting for Mom to call us for breakfast and just staring at the tree. Still half asleep and mesmerized by the pattern of the lights. The giddiness and sense of celebration that Mom and Dad held within overflowed into the whole house. Dad would get with his dear friend John Cochran and schedule the annual visit from Santa Claus. I dont know when this tradition started, but for this little girl it was the icing on the cake. I was the youngest of four, so the whole shenanigan was escalated by the older ones who already knew. The knock on the door would be followed by squeals and Dad playing along saying wonder who that could be. I was in total AWE. Santa...right there in OUR living room!!! He was jolly and kind as he talked to each of us. But, I wouldnt get close to him. I always stayed tucked behind a sibling. Listening, and eyes wide with wonder, but keeping my distance. I always wondered why Becky, Ralph & Julie were more than willing to sit beside him, giggle, and chat along with him. It makes me ponder now at what age did they each know and begin to play along for my sake. Julie and I shared a room/bed. She told me one Christmas morning when we first woke up that Santa had came into our room and kissed me on the cheek while I was sleeping. That he didnt know she was pretending to be asleep and peeking. AND another year she told me she heard the sleigh bells outside during the night. Yes...apparently, I was so gullible. But it all added to my imagination and wonder. Regardless, you get the picture. The Christmas season was a magical, wonderful time at our house. And this was all before my parents were Christians. Celebrating the season and birth of the One who would become their Redeemer. And the Christmases that followed their conversion were all that they had always been AND SO MUCH MORE. The mingling of all that giddiness with the new understanding of the most precious gift ever presented, just set the stage for an even greater explosion of excitement at home. The decorations and festivities continued through the years, including Santa♡. We had been blessed with yet another member (victim) of the family - Susie. Our new baby girl. Ten years younger than me and catered to by all of us. And the many traditions along with some grand new ones were carried on. I got to be in on all the secrets now. So as I surround myself with Christmas decor, a menagerie of Santas and classic songs it all takes me back. Not to the things, but to the feel of Christmases past. To the expressions on my Mom & Dads faces through the years. Their love for each other and us. Moms efforts to make a cozy, festive home and Dads fun spirit. When I hear these Christmas classics (which are still my favorite), I immediately remember that old stero. The Christmas Dad had so excitedly bought it for Mom. The glee she had as the music filled our home. But this particular song resonates in my heart quite differently now. For home is not just that place back in time for me now. Nor is it this haven where I lay my head on my pillow at the close of the day. It surpasses this temporary earthly structure. Its heaven. And although the big empty gap in my heart still yearns for Dads presence here with us, I know hes Home. Hell be Home for Christmas. And God fills me with peace in that knowledge. And well continue on in the spirit and fun of the season here♡ Shirley Taylor Becky Taylor Hogan John N Susie Tomlinson Becky Suttle Taylor
Posted on: Thu, 04 Dec 2014 14:50:57 +0000
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