Monday, December 24, 2007

Merry Christmas




I have a lot of memories of Christmas, most of them from my adult years. Oh, don’t get me wrong – I do remember Christmas as a child, but they’re mostly a blur, one meshing in with another until they become one long string of Christmases. No, I mean my memories of Christmas are much clearer after I became an adult. I no longer woke up before the break of dawn to rush my parents out of bed, but rather lay in my own, listening to the sounds of the house waking up, my parents whispering in the dining room, the smell of coffee. I’d join them, mother would wish me happy birthday, and we would read the paper quietly together. It wasn’t the same every Christmas; it depended upon whether the others (my sister, brothers and families) were coming in for Christmas breakfast or dinner. If it were breakfast, then the morning was a rush of orange juice cans, egg shells and coffee grounds. If dinner – well the smells of ham baking, or pies, or bread, the oven constantly going; the bustle of activity, last minute cleaning before the group arrived. Then I’d play Santa, sitting under the tree handing out presents, my own set aside. Watching the kids open their gifts – there’s no magic in the world that can compare. And then the dinner where there was more food than any one family could possibly eat. Turkey, ham, yams, potatoes, salads of every variety and color, desserts galore; stories and games, laughter and more eating. And love. A lot of love.

That’s my wish for you this Christmas – family, laughter, memories - but most of all, love.

20 comments:

Toni Anderson said...

Happy birthday for the 25th! I wish you lots of love too. We keep the memories with us always.

And Happy Christmas too :)

Bailey Stewart said...

Same to you Toni (well, not the birthday wishes *gg*).

raine said...

Happy Birthda, hon, and a very, very Merry Christmas. ;-)

Brandy said...

Ahh, what a wonderful history of memeories.
I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Birthday. It's been an honor and a pleasure to know you another year! *g*

Bailey Stewart said...

Thank you Raine, and a very Merry Christmas to you too.

Bailey Stewart said...

Brandy - it's been my pleasure hon. Have a Merry Christmas. Give the kids a hug for me.

Siobhan said...

Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas, Bailey and I too wish you lots of love. (((Hugs)))

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday a day early!!! :)

Bailey Stewart said...

Thank you Siobhan! Merry Christmas to you too.

Bailey Stewart said...

Thank you Tori. Merry Christmas to you.

Bailey Stewart said...

Okay, I'm off for another day of baking. I hope you all have a great day and Merry Christmas!

Denise McDonald said...

Merry Christmas, Bailey :-)

Denise McDonald said...

Happy Birthday too

Bailey Stewart said...

Thanks Dennie. And Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Love to you, bailey, and joy and abundancein all good things for the New Year!

Bailey Stewart said...

The same to you Devon. May your 2008 be wonderful.

Yes, I'm baking, I'm just waiting for the butter to soften.

Anonymous said...

Bailey, Christmas comes once a year but our friendship is forever. Happy Holidays!

Bailey Stewart said...

Thank you sweetie, I feel the same way. Merry Christmas.

Dru said...

Happy Birthday!

Merry Christmas!

I wish you a lotta love and peace for the next year! May your life prosper.

Bailey Stewart said...

Peace and love to you too Dru. Merry Christmas.