Holiday Memories

For me, the holidays are filled with memories of special foods and fun activities. These memories remind me of the people who are a part of my life – past and present.

One of my most cherished memories, was going to see Santa. My mom began taking me to see Santa when I was one. She didn’t drive. So, we took the bus downtown to Famous-Barr one of the three major department stores in St. Louis at that time. We walked around the building oohing and aahing at the fabulous Christmas windows. One had a huge train set in it. Then we went up to the top floor where Santa sat in all his glory. My last photo with Santa was when I was six. I was four in this photo. I still like to wander through stores enjoying all the Christmas decorations.

I remember waiting eagerly to see what St. Nick left in my stocking (a.k.a. sock). On December 5 my brother and I hung a sock on our bedroom doorknobs certain St. Nick would fill them with goodies during the night. Of course, we always looked for the biggest of our socks to make sure there was plenty of room for candy and small toys. And if you weren’t good, St. Nick just might leave a lump of coal in your sock. So, we were really well-behaved in the weeks leading up to St. Nick’s. Even now, my brother, sister-in-law and I exchange silly little gifts for St. Nick’s.

Another memory is of baking holiday cookies. My mom made the cookies and my dad decorated them and did the dishes. I still bake the same cookies my mom, mother-in-law, and grandmother made. Last year I made fruitcake (liberally soaked with 151-proof rum) and 8 kinds of cookies – I go just a little crazy with my holiday baking. And no, I don’t eat all the cookies myself; I share them with family and friends.
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May your memories warm this holiday season!