……..Many years ago
When my Mother’s sisters came home
from the orphanage
They were grateful to spend Christmas
with us in our home.
My grandparents were ill and poor,
but everyone loved them as they
remember what kind hearts they were
before they fell ill and lost work.
My Aunts helped with the chores
for the Christmas approaching.
My Mother didn’t have to ask.
My Dad asked them if they would like
to help pick out a Christmas Tree.
So delighted they brought me along.
Kind and loving Aunts they always
were to me.
Later that evening my Mama cooked
popcorn for us to string around our
tree.
Mama brought down the ornaments
from her grandmother, and Dad strung
the bright colored lights. We also had
the bubble candle lamps the longer they
were on the more they would bubble.
Our city was a bit behind the times we
still had the gas candelabras on either side
of the archway going into the dinning
room.
Then that Christmas Eve we all went
to church. The choir sang so beautiful,
and we joined in. Everyone dressed
in their very best clothes. Young girls
loved the velvet dresses, and the boys
liked their vests under their sport coat.
Now getting ready for bed they told
me the Santa story and about the elves.
All the cookies were baked and Mama
always stuffed the figs with walnuts,
and rolled them in powder sugar.
For trays with ribbon candy and
other little goodies, and chocolates.
Those times are so dear to me, the
Love of Jesus, and Santa bringing
toys.
Christmas dinner was so fine, with
all the trimmings. We had both
grandparents over for the Christmas dinner.
And we were expected to go to their homes
For their Christmas dinners also, days after.
Angel hair adorned their trees with pine
cones and homemade trimmings.
It was always enjoyable to visit my
grandparents homes. Vibrant with
Christmas music, and scents of
lemon, orange and cinnamon.
Everyone back then burnt incense,
and lit candles.
I just love the memories of time past.
© Joyce Ann Geyer 2007
But the hour cometh, and now is, when
the true worshippers shall worship the
Father in Spirit and in truth: for the
Father seeketh such to worship Him.
John 4:23
