Christmas
Continuing the theme, I was reminded yesterday (via a facebook posting, in fact) that, when it comes to Christmas memories, it’s typically not the gifts we received that we remember, but the times we spent together.
I started thinking about that. In my childhood, there are maybe two or three gifts I can remember if I work for it… the Nintendo Entertainment System, Lego, and the Dick Tracy Detective kit. Matt and I got matching sets. We investigated crimes. A little later in life (I think I was 14), I got a guitar for Christmas. That was pretty memorable. A couple years later, I got another. Also quite memorable.
But, I will admit that these are not my primary memories of Christmas. I have far more memories of family things… like playing cards with my brothers between 2 am and 5 am so that we could not be obsessing about when mom and dad would let us get up. Then, waking mom and dad up early and trying to talk mom and dad into bucking the tradition of stockings, breakfast, then presents. They didn’t break. I love that.
I remember trips to Oshawa and Peterborough. I remember our first Christmas in Puerto Rico, going to the beach on Christmas day. It was fun, but it wasn’t as fun as visiting family in Oshawa and Peterborough.
So, yes, I’d have to concur with the facebook post. My memories of family time together around Christmas are much clearer to me than my memories of gifts I received. More important to me, too.
Lovely, honey. Thanks! And, me too! And, Dick Tracy Detective kits? I don’t remember those, or you investigating crimes. No doubt it was all top-secret.
Mom, those were totally from Santa Claus. Would’ve been our second Christmas at 416 rogers (across from IGA). I remember it quite distinctly. I’m shocked that you could have possibly forgotten.
These days I’m shocked when I remember.