ONCE UPON A TIME............
Memories Of Christmas Past
As I sit here looking up at the Christmas tree surrounded by boxes and bags of ornaments and presents to wrap,
The fragrance brings back so many precious and beautiful memories
Like helping my Grandpa cut the Christmas tree,
Then dragging it up the old path.
We cut extra branches and placed them with red bows all around,
Climbed the trees for balls of mistletoe with berries of white.
Made sure one fireplace was not lit so Santa could come down
After parking his sleigh on top of the snow-covered house in the moonlight
There were always homemade cookies covered in sprinkles of silver and gold,
And one five pound candy cane broken in pieces to share.
Fruit, candies and nuts in paper bags to give to each child and a coat to keep them from the cold....
See Grandpa taught Sunday school and taught us about baby Jesus and the Christmas Star of old
We did not have a lot of money but we knew how much we were loved.
And tho we each received one special gift ,the most special gift was his teaching about
The greatest gift ever given, by our Lord and Savior from above.
He gave his only child that we might have forgiveness and eternal life without a doubt.
I have tried teaching my children how to love and care for those who have less.
They have made me so very thankful they learned well, I have in that been richly blessed.
As I place each ornament in it's place, some make me smile and some cause pain as I miss the ones no longer here to celebrate.
I know they smile down upon me as I place the angels all around,
One for each that have now entered Heaven's gate.
The grandchildren help unwrap the ornaments and they each have a special one they claim.
They laugh as their parents talk about all the Christmases past,
As they find their own beloved ornaments they have named.
And I know it is time for me to have my children take over this precious yearly task.
I pray that I have done as God and my Grandpa would have me do, and taught them well.
As we light the tree and read the Book from which I was taught, we bow our heads and pray.
I am thankful that my sons have lived thru their service and their stories they can tell.
We all pray for the safe return of those who are still protecting us and in harms way .
Dearest Jesus, we thank You for our home and family on this eve of Your birth.
Merry Christmas to all and may there soon be safety and peace upon this earth.
(by) Karen Kelley
December 12th, 2010
