Our first Christmas Stockings
Our baby son and his bride spent this past weekend at our house. Before they left, I found myself plundering through some old Christmas items, in search of something to attach to my son’s “ugly Christmas sweater” for work. I was pleasantly surprised when I found the red furry stockings with mine and hubby’s names written in sparkly glitter. I looked at them and smiled. We were on a very tight budget that first Christmas, but we had these made at the mall, along with one for our adopted pup, Heidi. (We had a Charlie Brown Christmas tree that year and I loved it!) We walked through the mall, holding hands and window shopping, and not caring that we couldn’t buy much more than a stocking and a cookie. We had each other.
Our first Christmas ornament ~
The Christmas ornament we simply could not afford. I spied it in the Hallmark Store around the corner from our house and desperately wanted it. When you would wind it up, it played, “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.” My favorite holiday movie and song. And the perfect forever keepsake of our first Christmas together. I think it was $10.00. Maybe that doesn’t sound like a lot now, but it was in 1982. Someone~ I think probably my parents, gave us some money for Christmas. I was the first one in line at the Hallmark Store the day after Christmas! I knew if it was still there, I could buy it for half price. And it was there….. sigh.
The angel that topped our Christmas tree for so many years.
Fast forward a few years and our two little boys were fussing over who could place the angel atop the Christmas Tree! We came up with a system of “every other year”. Their name and year was written inside the angel.
I’m a little melancholy when I think on this. Our little boys, all grown up now. They have their own traditions, as they should. I just hope, when they think back to this time of year, they have sweet reflections and smiles of our time spent together back then.
The inside of the angel that used to top our tree.
My prayer is that, no matter what, they never lose that child like faith, joy or hope. I pray that you and I hold on to it as well ~
stuff i tell my sister 
Amen…
♥
I absolutely LOVE the solution to who got to put the angel on top of the tree..and trading every other year..and the writing inside! That would make my eyes ‘water’ every year! What a great tradition and wonderful family memories! Merry Christmas Paula! xoxo – B
Thanks, Ms. B! With two boys so much smarter than I ….creativity became a real challenge at times! haha! But I watched Chi’s eyes when he walked in the other evening. They went straight to that angel that was setting on the old victrola….he was remembering. Merry Christmas, friend ♥
Merry Christmas Paula…here’s to that angel..
Amen and cheers. Merry Christmas, Ms. Mimi♥
Back at ya sweetie..<3
For awhile we had a color coded Christmas tree…. the colors told you where to place the branches. One year I had my youngest daughter write down the colors in order in a list to make it easier to figure out each year. She was in the first or second grade and I loved that little list copied in her primary handwriting. The tree eventually got thrown away and probably the list as well, but I treasured that silly little list more than the most expensive ornament on the tree.
I love this story. Am picturing your daughter working intently on that list. So sweet. Those little things mean so much….esp later!
Beautiful memories Paula – Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to YOU! ♥
Thank you for sharing your first Christmas story! It was so sweet. I love the closeup shots of the word ornaments. Merry Christmas Paula, Marvin, Mad and Mal
Thank you, Darla ♥ Merry Christmas you & your sweet family! We miss seeing you guys! ♥
Sweet – I think my folks started with just a bunch of old ornaments from my pops folks – they had paper caps and no metallic paint – from WWII. My mom bought us all a set of ornaments for our first Christmas – those were yours to place. Everything else she portioned out bit by bit – the star on top was always hers to place:)
Memories and traditions….love it!
Ah, you and Marvin seem like a great couple. Merry Christmas, Paula 🙂
Merry Christmas, Maggie! ♥
That was a beautiful post – thank you for sharing the stories 🙂
thanks for reading my ramblings….;) I really love reading your blog…..your son is so fortunate to have you as his dad!
Thanks… we’re going through a very rough time right now… I’m hoping for something positive to write about soon… your post tonight reminded me of brighter, better days and I’m looking forward to those again
oh the ups and downs of life….they are so many. keep hanging tough, my friend. for there truly is hope ahead…
Lovely Christmas post, Paula. I too have very fond memories of past Christmases when my children were small and full of wonder. Now it’s the grandchildren’s turn. 🙂
I’m sure you are creating wonderful memories with those grandchildren! We have grandpups. I just don’t think it’s the same! lol! Merry Christmas! ♥
…child like faith, joy or hope–thanks for reminding us to hold on! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you! ♥
Sweet, Paula. I really enjoyed this story. Merry Christmas to you and the whole family.
Merry Christmas, Naomi and Family!!!!
Reblogged this on stuff i tell my sister and commented:
I am re-sharing a post that holds special memories for me…. I hope this brings to mind some fun and special memories for you as well. Merry Christmas !