When I traveled down memory lane to recount my Christmas memories, I invited my sister Tisha Saccarelli to join me. She reminded me of the silver tinsel our mom draped over the Christmas tree. The tinsel reflected on the many lights that leaped from branch to branch. Our Christmas tree carried a familiar theme from year to year. Slender red and white and sometimes green and white sugar sticks to be tasted at the end of the blissful season hanged delicately. Red, gold, and silver glass bulbs adorned our tree and soon the ceramic bells became a staple.
Our tree would not be complete without the packages beautifully wrapped, topped with ribbons and bows. Tisha reminds me of the special music that filled our home like the aroma of a fresh baked good. Only to be gently discarded at night for seasonal children’s tales on television. We both agree that the animated puppets of yesteryear are still our favorite holiday shows. Ah yes, the arrival of Christmastime.
Waking at the crack of dawn, I open my eyes and wonder if Santa has come already. Lying in my bed, I feel butterflies in my stomach. This was Christmas morning and our day started with breakfast. I remember garland trimming the arches in our home, lights trimmed the windows and the smell of candy from crystal candy dishes filled the air. One particular Christmas I remember gifts flowing from the living room into the dining room. Large boxes, small boxes, beautiful bows, and the best item of all the Toys R Us Giraffe was standing there.
My sister shared that she would anticipate the arrival of Christmas with such joy and wonderment. This time of year brought certain warmth to our small urban home and a sense of new beginnings. As a child, Christmastime was enchanting or dream-like as this particular time of year presented her with objects of her desire. Gifts miraculously manifested underneath the carefully decorated pine tree throughout the weeks leading to this special day. The carefully decorated tree was majestic to the eyes of my mother’s little girls. Tisha would sit on the sofa for minutes at a time staring at the reflections of the lights dancing off the tree’s branches as a fire crackled in our fireplace. Our mom loved placing logs in the fireplace, creating a secured atmosphere that always made us believed we were loved and protected.
We are grateful that Christmas represented family in our home. Christmas trees and gifts were festive decorations that created warm atmospheres, not anything to idolize. The holiday itself was a time for generations of our family to enjoy meals, laughs and the continued nurturing of relationships. We will be forever grateful for our childhood memories of Christmas.