Christmas back in the day

As I write this, I must admit that I am tearing up. I don't know exactly why, but I am. I think it's because I am remembering a tradition that was held for many, many years.

Christmas Eve was a very special time for my family. There was a time when my immediate family would come together for one night and put our differences aside.

It was a time that we would go around the room and open presents. My cousin and I would get the same exact thing from my Nana and Papaw. Everything was the same, right down to the matching sets of underwear. I remember one time David and I got ink pens that opened up like switchblades. How cool is that? Of course, there were some stinkers in there as well.

Most memorable was the purple sweatsuit that Nana got me. David's was navy if I remember correctly, but mine was Barney like purple. I've told this story before, but when I tried it on, I looked like "Grimace." Nana replied, "Clay, that just looks great on you." How could I argue with that.

My job was to make "Whispers." A "Whisper" is a delightful concoction that I learned how to make back in my bartending days. It's Vanilla ice cream, Bailey's Irish Creme, Hazelnut Liquor, and a little milk. The only time I have ever seen my Nana take a sip of alcohol was on Christmas Eve. Her cheeks would get a little red.

My memories of my kid sister come to mind. She had that red hair that seemed to glow against the colors of Christmas. She would bounce around in a cute dress from one person to another. Always so happy and affectionate. Steph was everyone's little favorite, especially with my Papaw. It such a great memory to see Stephanie sitting in Papaw's lap. You know what it's like to sit in that lap, you might as well sit upon a throne. Steph was the princess.

My Mom and Aunt Jane seemed to interchange in the kitchen. Sausage balls, those little weenie things in BBQ sauce, every dip imaginable......the food just kept coming. My mother would always burn the rolls, but it was to be expected. The woman never saw a timer she liked.

As the evening would seemingly come to a close, the music would start. Each Uncle, Step-Dad, son, daughter would have a chance to play a song. Inevitably, there would be dancing. Steph would stand on a chair. Nana and Papaw would kiss each other for a split second. (PDA was frowned upon, I guess) and finally I would get to dance with my mom. Each year, I would get a little taller. Mom was 5-10, so it took a long time to look into those brown eyes, but I finally caught up. She would tell me she loved me, and I her. I miss her very much. I miss everyone very much.

Now, time has moved on. Some have passed on gracefully like my hero Grandfather. Some have died too young. Some have their own families, and some have moved away. But I still remember every single moment.

I was lucky. If you still bother to read this, please don't take it for granted. Celebrate each other as hard as you can. It won't last forever.

Merry Xmas. Love to everyone.


Clay