We all have lots
of Christmas memories, some happy, some sad. Some we remember more than others.
There’s
a scene in my mystery novel, Unfinished
Business, where Ann and her older sister, Marnie, are remembering a
Christmas from their childhoods: the year they decided to search their parents’
house, looking for their presents. More than anything, Ann wanted a Cabbage
Patch doll for Christmas that year and, in a hidden compartment in the closet of the master bedroom, she found it. At first, she was thrilled but, as you can
imagine, finding the doll put quite a damper on her Christmas. She ruined her
own surprise.
That
scene was a fictionalized version of what happened to me when I was a child. I wanted
a Patty Play Pal doll so badly and, like Ann, I searched our house and found
the doll hidden in my parents’ closet. On Christmas Day, I had to pretend to be
surprised when I unwrapped the doll but I’m pretty sure my mom and dad knew the truth. Needless
to say, that was the first and last time I ever went looking to see what Santa
or my parents had gotten me for Christmas. (By the way, since my name is
Patricia, I named the doll Cathy.)
Patricia, you brought back lots of memories with this. I also enjoy creating fictionalized events based on what has occured years earlier. Your little story reminded me of great times during early Christmases.
ReplyDeleteTheresa,
DeleteThanks for visiting!
Life gives us lots of writing material every day if we're open to it. That includes our memories of days gone by.
I love Christmas time even though I have some sad memories associated to the holiday season. Thanks for sharing this piece.
ReplyDeleteChris
Chris,
DeleteI feel the same way. When I find myself getting a little "too nostalgic," I crank up some cheerful Christmas music and dance. I sing too but that's another story. :)
Thank you for some reminders, Pat! Good memories, but like Chris said, there are a few sad ones, too. Love the pic of you and Santa.
ReplyDeleteMarja McGraw
Thanks, Marja! I'm so glad I have so many old photos. I even have pictures of my Mom and Dad when they were dating. Priceless!
DeleteWhen I was very young I unwrapped one of my presents and found a tissue box. I was disappointed until I realized the cardboard piece covering the hole didn't match the box. I opened the box and found a stuffed animal inside. My parents "recycled" the tissue box instead of spending money on a new box.
ReplyDeleteSally,
ReplyDeleteSounds like your parents were very creative. Cute story!
Snooping does spoil the fun, doesn't it? My sister and I snooped one Christmas eve and discovered, in the darkened living room, what we though was a trash can. We didn't dare turn on the lights, and we were so bummed out about the "trashy" gift. Imagine our suprise the next morning when it turned out to be a jukebox!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful Christmas!
Catherine,
DeleteYou were smart not to turn on the lights. That way, your surprise wasn't spoiled. I wasn't so smart!
While my sister and I did snoop, I don't remember ever finding anything. My Mom was pretty resourceful. We did sneak out to the living room during the night and discover our unwrapped 'Santa' presents by the light of our gas stove. Awesome memories...
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, everyone!
Sandra,
DeleteThe saying, "Curiosity killed the cat but satisfaction brought him back" sure didn't apply in my case. I'm finding it interesting how many of us were "snoops" as kids!