Gifts of Chistmas Long Past

My parents still live in the same house where I grew up. My father, an architect, designed the house and it was built in 1961. I was a toddler when we moved in there. Later, in 1962 and 1964, my brothers came along. In 1966 Dad gave up his den which had an architect's drawing table, model airplanes hanging from the ceiling, and at one time a slot car track, for me to have my own room. That was a pretty sweet set up for me. No more brothers in my stuff. Which when I was six years old was pretty much coloring books and stuffed animals, oh yeah, and a Beatles record.

There have been 45 Christmases celebrated in that house. Mom and Dad would select a balsam tree and put huge lights with aluminum reflectors on them up, then the ornaments, and then Mom would carefully place those lead icicles on the ends of each branch. I think decorating our tree took about three weeks.

My first Christmas, however, was celebrated at my fraternal Grandmother's house. My parents actually lived in her attic, which I don't remember, and if I did I would probably be traumatized. I was the only grandchild, a mere seven months old in the Christmas of 1960. There are pictures of that day, mostly of women in pencil skirts, with bright red lipstick (which looked black in the black and white photos), people smoking, and enjoying egg nog. I am pictured by the tree, too near the lead icicles, and in oblivion to everything but these two things: my ball and my bear...

In 1960 the ball was more inflated and the bear had lots more fur, a nose, and red felt tongue. This is what 47 years will do to you. I hope I look as well-loved as these toys.

As I grew up in the 60's and into one very groovy nine year old with sunny yellow go-go boots and orange flower power drawstring bell bottoms, oh yeah, and a fringed vest, I was the coolest third grader with this swinging lunch box I got in the Christmas of 1969. The Yellow Submarine was another gift, by Corgi. My love for The Beatles didn't waver one bit...

In Christmas 1971, I was eleven, and becoming as girly as I was ever going to be, which isn't very much. I recieved a silver charm bracelet. That bracelet was like a gift magnet. Charms from everywhere appeared at each holiday, birthday, and special occasion there after. It filled up in 1986, the year I was married. I can still wear it, but I would need a crane just to hoist my arm up as it's very heavy...

Thanks for visiting my little museum of Christmas past. I would LOVE to see any gifts you have saved from Christmases or Hannukahs past!~~~~XXOO, Beth