Woman to Woman
When
I was a little girl, Santa Claus came to us on Christmas Eve, according to
tradition in my mother’s family. Always, Mother engaged a family friend to
take us three kids for a drive, to see Christmas lights, bask in the excitement
and wonder of the season. Always, when we arrived home, jingle bells rang,
Daddy met us at the door with his jolly chuckle and said, You just missed
him, Santa was here already. Wide eyed, we saw proof, presents under
our tinseled tree.
Older,
our tradition toggled to all three of us willingly hiding out in the girls’
bedroom, singing carols, imagining our belief, until Daddy rang the jingle
bells and called out, You just missed him, Santa was here, come out to the
tree. Mother, dressed in red, green, and her knowing smile, broke
into laughter every time.
My
siblings and I are scattered by miles, our parents have passed on, and still
the magic of our childhood Christmas Eves links our lives, keeps a spirit none
of us would dare to trample.
For
us, that one night a year, a fairyland lived in lights and song.
Anticipation built a ladder to the stars. No problems existed.
Memory,
tradition, and gatherings of friends, family, even strangers, fill the bowls of
many on Christmas, Hanukkah, Yule, Kwanzaa, and any holiday of the season. For
others, vessels of want and need define the nights, the days.
This
year let’s give gifts of kindness. Even a moment, a glance, can tune an
ear to something good. Let’s give stars of understanding, even acceptance
that holds the possibility of harmony without knowing details of what to
understand. Let’s give food, coats, and heating fuel to ones who need a
hand. Finally, let’s give love, the very gift everyone always needs.
Mary Ricketson makes her home inCherokee county. She is a licensed professional counselor in private
practice in Murphy. She has a special interest in women’s issues.
Copyright 2018
Mary, I always enjoy your Woman to Woman articles. Perfect for the Holiday season! Glenda Barrett
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