The Christmas season is often so filled with a long list of “to-do’s” that we wonder if we will be able to fully enjoy the moment. Thankfully, there are quieter moments when I find myself recalling scenes from my childhood Christmas memories. I then remember that Christmas has always been a busy time of connecting with others in shared activities in a way that no other holiday season offers.
When I think back to my elementary school years, I remember how my home town would attach oversized, lighted ornaments to the utility poles along the main street running through the town’s square. In the shapes of wreaths, candles, Christmas trees and candy canes, these decorations created a sort of Christmas wonderland feeling, especially at night.
In my elementary school, we enjoyed seeing all of the Christmas decorations around the school building’s library. It was centrally located in the building, with an open design that gave it a town square feeling. Before dismissing for the holidays, a special school assembly would happen with all the K-6 students seated with their classes around the library area (the library floor was about five feet lower than the surrounding hallway). Each grade would take turns singing a Christmas carol they had previously rehearsed, and then the whole school would join together in singing a few favorites. To quote the line from one of Bing Crosby’s recordings, it was a moment that gave us all “that Christmas feeling.”
Meanwhile, in my local church, there were usually recitations to be memorized and then performed before the congregation. Many times, there was also dialogue from a script to be memorized for a part in a Christmas play. Of course, we always enjoyed the opportunities to sing a variety of traditional Christmas hymns. “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night,” and “O, Come All Ye Faithful” were sure to be included at least once every year. And of course, as kids, we always wondered if it would snow on the Sunday closest to Christmas Day.
In my own home, the family would put up the Christmas tree and strands of lights. My mother would make sure her five young children had some new Christmas coloring books to work on while drinking hot chocolate and listening to some of our favorite Christmas records. We also enjoyed TV specials from stars like Red Skelton and Bob Hope. But mostly, we were thrilled to be out of school for a few days. And hoping it would snow again. A lot!
When you think back on the Christmas seasons of your past, I hope your memories are good ones. The sights, sounds, smells, and feelings associated with those recollections hopefully bring a sense of being blessed.
I wish for all of you a Christmas filled with hope and love that will leave you with new good memories!
MATTHEW McKENZIE 