I recently visited a “new” doctor and I had to fill out a personal information card. One question was “list your nearest friend to call in case of emergency”. What? I don’t have any friends! I left the question “blank”. Maybe in the New Year (2015), I should work on finding a friend. At least then I could fill out the form.
Christmas for me has evolved. Growing up (Period 1), Christmas Eve was divided into 2 parts. Christmas started with Grandma who owned the City Club followed by our “family Christmas” in the same building but shifting to our upstairs apartment. My Dad was always a little kid at heart so there were lots of toys capped with an erector set (I was never sure whether it was mine or his).
Period 2 was “our early marriage years”. Your Mom and I tried to satisfy all family members on Christmas Eve. We lived in Sheboygan. I remember one Christmas Eve where we visited Nana and Grampa (Mom’s folks) followed by a visit to my Mother, Mom’s Aunt Francis and my Grandma Myrna. It was insanity. But hey, we were trying to make everybody happy. Change can be difficult.
Period 3 was “our Christmas”. The center of the Christmas was being home. I recall bicycles, lots of toys, computers and a special trombone for Grasshopper No.2 (which I think she still has).
Period 4 evolved to you Grasshoppers having your own family Christmas. Your Mom and I have experienced invites to share “your time” but it was your special event. We still maintained our home Christmas but had a different feel.
Period 5 is our attempt to get our extended family together on one special day close to Christmas and provide the opportunity for you Grasshoppers, spouses, grandchildren (along with their spouses and friends), great grandchildren and extended family to share a special time. Your Mom gets all the credit. The lights, the flowers, the food, the smells and the anticipation are because of her effort to “create”. That is why I married her! There are gifts but make no mistake. It is about sharing and hugs
I don’t know what the future Period 6 Christmas will look like. Time will tell. It will be festive. There will always be fond Christmas memories.
Enjoy those close to you!
Love,
Dad
Merry Christmas to Shelby and you. Enjoy family together for the holidays. You can add me to your new year friend list. Take care, Ike