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were locked, and blinds pulled down, while the family members worked most of the night to get all the boxes opened, and the toys and other Christmas things put on display in the windows, on the shelves, and hanging above our heads. There were "Oh's" and "Ah's" as pretty, cute, colorful, clever items were unwrapped and put out. Young as we were, Merrill and I, and the older nieces and nephews, were so HAPPY to help. Uhat fun! Many of tne townspeople would go by and cal1 out¦ "What time will you open in the morning? What's new this year?" Everyone was excited and anxious to see and choose. I remember the big barrels and buckets of candy and nuts that were brought into the store and opened. Yes, w6 could sample...and we did! Morning! The store all decked out, and opened. The crowds came-adults and children, excited, happy, anxious, full of joy. The anticipation and interest were great. Can't you just see it? Hear it? Those were the days! How did we celebrate Christmas Day? That was something!. Christmas Eve, of course, we hung our stockings and went off to bed early. Christmas Day dawned, and at the day. You know why. For our family, it meant the grandchildren rushed to Grandpa's before it was light. Each one tried to see who could get there first, bringing holiday greetings and wondering what Santa Claus left for them, always gifts and were so happy. Then came their parents, and after opening the gifts, we began our tour, a family tradition we keep to this day* We all went from house to house, first to family, then to neighbors and friends, to see and to give. 67 |
