Wishin' 'n Hopin'

As memories the weeks leading up to Christmas are now only blurs. But, when I was young time seemed slow as we approached the day, until it almost seemed to be flowing in reverse. Expectation, hope and fulfillment seemed so distant.

But first you have the preparations. Since we did not always have a car the tree was often chosen from the closest lot. With the biggest child (me), helping to tote it home. I was pretty happy that we didn't "need" a huge tree. 

The size of our family meant that there were always lots of presents under the tree. Of course, many of those presents were terribly disappointing to us. We didn't think  that we needed any more clothes. Or shoes. Or coats. Etc. We learned economics early.

Aunt Myrtle was usually good for at least one trip to downtown Boston. Jammed subways, crowded stores and we had to hold hands! Ugh! She did enjoy her role as Aunt and felt that we had to see the current window display at Jordan Marsh. Every year a new combination of Dickensque carolers that actually moved! This was followed by a visit to SS Pierce and maybe an ice cream sundae. Ice cream the high for us...the carolers for her. 

Another weekend would have me acting as bearer-boy for "Santa" as we traveled store to store accumulating all the needed gifts. One year I became Santa's helper in truth. Too many kids, too little cash and I had a job. That Christmas morning was the one that I still remember. It was the first time that I participated in giving...it matters.

More than fifty years later and what I hope for, is that the true spirit of the season prevails. Some of the traditions will be a bit different, but, the spirit of family, the laughter, the joy and the expectation of hope are the same. Time no longer slows for the holidays. My guess is that time will seem extremely short for these few days.

Let's celebrate and maybe pay forward some of the good wishes and hope. In doing that we might be able to extend the season.

 Buon natale!