I have found myself bawling during all of these. Bawling.
All I can see in these movies are my grandparents. I see them in the 40's and 50's - young and vibrant, thin and active with their dark hair...my grandpa with his greased back perfectly combed hair and my grandma with her bobby pins, pin curls and finger waves. They loved the holidays and celebrated surrounded by their many friends and large family.
Music filled the basement, while the drinks flowed and people danced. Couples kissed under the mistletoe.
I remember being a very little girl on Christmas morning in their very small living room stuffed full of people, presents and paper.
This is our first Christmas without them both. The family home of 56 years is sold. As happy and joyous as the Holidays are, I miss them. Their Christmas card was always the first addressed each year. Kenneth and Lorraine St. Marie, 22xx....their address remains at the top of my list. So strange not to send them one this year for the first time ever. So strange to not receive one.
Although we are staying put this Christmas, I know I have my childhood home to go to when I can. I weep for my mom this year who doesn't.
We are staying home to make new memories for our kids. For them to wake-up Christmas morning in their beds, to race down the stairs to see if Santa came. To lounge in our PJ's.
Happy Holidays to all of you. Hug your kids, honor your Grandparents and thank your parents. No matter near or far, celebrate your families and the memories you are making every day.
xoxo,t
16 comments:
A precious post. This time of year is magical and always brings fond memories of those who've gone before us. I was about to say that the little girl closest to Santa looks just like Esther and then realized this is not an old family photo. I need a manager. Help.
Very sweet. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Very nice, I remember all those years also with fondness. I also remember the day that picture was taken sooo many years ago! Thanks for the memories. Esther does look like Auntie Sue!
What a touching post. We've chosen to stay at home to make our own family memories as well. Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Awe, this made me choke up. <3
Okay, I see now that this IS an old family picture. It was so perfect, I thought maybe it was from Miracle on 34th Street. I guess I need to watch that one. Anyway, beautiful photo and Esther really does like like your Aunt. Merry Christmas!
I've just recently found your blog and am enjoying all the wonderful pictures and sentiments. You've made me want to start sifting through old family photographs. It could get messy, on so many levels!
Thank you for sharing.
Oh my, no wonder I'm enjoying your site, I've just read your "About Me", and it could be my own, minus the cat, but it's been on our radar. Take care.
love this.
xoxo, m
Beautiful, Tracy. <3
Christmas is so many things, and remembrances is one of the lovely facets. Thank goodness we have great memories to cherish, we are the fortunate ones.
I torture my kids and make them watch MY favorite movies each year, hopefully when I'm gone, they will find themselves dragging those tired movies out and remember those times we had, having popcorn & a soda, watching "It's a Wonderful Life".
This one made me cry, so I had to wait a day to comment. Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories, your grandparents are watching over you with a big smile on their face.
Thank you for your beautiful memories. This too made me cry, missing all of the past memories. I placed ice candles in my memory garden tonight, in memory of Grandma(Mom),Grandpa(Dad)and Sadie. They have been burning for about 4hrs. Love the picture, wish I was there.
Love you all. Aunt Peggy
this made me cry too. life is so precious and short. i miss the good ole days so much.
but now you move forward creating the traditions and memories for your beautiful daughters to have and hold forever.
bittersweet...
'Love that you said to "hug your kids." I started Global Hug Your Kids Day in 2008. We lost our son Mark suddenly to brain cancer in 1998. He was 8 1/2 years old. I sure wish I could hug him!
Maybe you'd like to have an event in YOUR town in for the holiday in 2010. It'll be Monday, July 19. Contact me via http://www.hugyourkidstoday.com or for more info. I'm hoping to get families all over the US / world? to have events in honor of their wonderful children on that day.
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