Sunday, December 20, 2015

Christmas Memories

Me with Santa Claus
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 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.) 

 My Dad, Mom, brother, me (with Cathy) and my maternal grandfather

  I hope each of you has a very Merry Christmas and that you make some wonderful Christmas memories this year. Merry Christmas!

8 comments:

  1. I never went hunting because I rarely got what I really wanted anyway, but Larry used to open all his toys, play with them, and then put them back before Christmas. He says his parents never found out, and he always pretended to be surprised.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Lorna. Your comment made me laugh. Larry "thinks" his parents never knew. LOL
      I sure learned my lesson that year.

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  2. You were a smarter kid than I was--it never occurred to me that my presents were hidden in the house. How could they be, when Santa didn't bring them until I was asleep on Christmas Eve?

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    1. Allan, I wasn't so smart, after all. LOL
      Actually, I believed in Santa way past the age when most kids stop believing. Part of me still believes!

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  3. Nice photos, Pat. Sorry to say I don't have any Christmas stories. Or maybe, I just don't remember any of them. LOL!

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    1. Thanks, Evelyn. This memory stood out in my mind because I learned a valuable lesson.

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  4. Like you, Patricia, I believed in Santa way longer than the age most children do. It was an emotional blow (until this day) that I haven't recovered from (smile) I loved Santa!

    Have a wonderful Christmas!

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    1. I feel exactly the same way, Madeline. :)
      I hope you have a fantastic Christmas and that Santa brings you everything your heart desires.

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