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Tuesday, December 22, 2009

MERRY CHRISTMAS, ALL!



My favourite holiday season of the year is upon us, and once again (for the 6th. time!) I would like to wish all of my readers and blogging buddies the very best for the Season, and for the coming New Year.

For me, Christmas holds many memories of years past, getting up in the morning and running to the living room to see the presents under the tree and hoping that Santa didn't forget our house. I still remember many of the gifts that I was so happy with too, waaaaay back then. Dolls; a tiny dishes set that my older sis Linda and I played with for hours; a nurse's kit complete with cap and cape; a toy piano (and a white toy organ that Linda got that I preferred to play with!)....... and the list goes on.

As years passed, the fun part of Christmas was helping to decorate the tree and the living room. We used to hang green and red paper streamers from the ceiling and then hang tinsel on them. When we were about 17 or so, Mom and Dad let Linda and I have very weak drinks, and I remember they were mainly 7-Up with a lot of cherry juice and maraschino cherries in it. I think the alcohol was a little gin. The family gathering around the table for our turkey dinner ~ us 4 girls and Mom and Dad, and my Mom could cook!

Not only that, but she could bake up a delicious storm too. Every year up until about 10 years ago or so, she would bake the same goodies that we all liked: sugar cookies, shortbread cookies, butter tarts, mincemeat tarts and Nanaimo Bars. I still remember the red and white cookie tin from the 1950's that held so many of these treats, wrapped in wax paper. It was the tin from the matching set of canisters, the now very old sugar canister that I still use in my own kitchen today. Ah the delights! And the memories! I wish that I could have one more Christmas with us all together, back home on the base in Cold Lake. I'd treasure every single moment.....

In later years and still today, Christmas holds the utmost importance of having family gatherings. Being with my loved ones (including get togethers over the holidays with good friends) is really ALL that it is about and that I enjoy. All of the "kids" in the family are now grown, the youngest being almost 13 and the oldest 33. Over the years I have gone from giving my neice and nephews toys and games, to books and lottery tickets.

Christmas has some sadness in it too, for most of us. Each Christmas Day I remember those who I dearly loved and are now watching over us; my Dad, my Mom, a late husband and a best friend. I celebrate with them, as I celebrate the time I had with them. So much love!

I know that you all have your own memories, good or bad. It was one year ago that our sister Brenda had her mastectomy, and all the scary stuff that came with it. Today she is doing well, thank God. Many today can't abide the commercialism of the Season and neither can I, but for me it's something I can easily ignore while I keep my warm and happy memories close to my heart, and enjoy the pretty lights and gatherings of loved ones. It's all I need at this time of year.

May each of you be blessed with a peaceful Christmas, and a Happy New Year. I count you all as blessings in my life!



Love Jude

14 Comments:

Blogger sydwynd said...

Christmas to me means hanging out with my incredibly loud Italian family for way to much food, dessert, and conversation at ear shattering decibels.

How I love it!

Merry Christmas!

1:47 PM, December 22, 2009  
Blogger Jude said...

Sounds fun and deelish, Rocker Guy. I hope it's a good time again this year for you, The Wife and the boys! xox

6:14 PM, December 22, 2009  
Blogger NaBooS said...

Christmas is traditionally a family time for my family as well. This year it's just the three of us but it'll still be good food, laughter, and fun =)

Merry Christmas to you and yours Jude!

Love you!

10:38 AM, December 23, 2009  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ah yes!!! It would be nice to have one more Christmas at R.C.A.F. Stn. Cold Lake (aka C.F.B. Medley, after the Govt. got thru with their stupid changes!!). It was wonderful, wasn't it?? Well, we still have each other and I will be seeing you in a couple of days (3 to be exact!!) Love you Sis!! xoxoxoxoxoxo
Linda Lou

10:51 AM, December 23, 2009  
Blogger Peach said...

Happy Holidays, Jude. Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year! I always look forward to reading your blog and voting on photos.

1:17 PM, December 23, 2009  
Blogger Jude said...

Tracers: I hope yours is a peaceful one darlin', love you! xox

Linda: I know! Soon! Yay! Love ya! xox

Nancy: Thank you, and I hope your Christmas is good!

7:36 PM, December 23, 2009  
Anonymous John said...

I hope you and yours have a happy and healthy 2010.

Merry Christmas,
John

9:13 PM, December 23, 2009  
Blogger Jude said...

Thanks for stopping by John, you and Linda have THE BEST Christmas ever!

9:29 PM, December 23, 2009  
Blogger Bobbie said...

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas, Jude. Being together with family during the holiday season is the best gift of all!
And thank you for your gift of friendship this past year. It means alot.

11:02 PM, December 23, 2009  
Blogger Jude said...

Aww thanks Bobbie, you've been a wonderful blogging buddy for me! Have a safe and warm Christmas!

11:12 PM, December 23, 2009  
Anonymous Xavierism said...

Jude, you have been such a great source of inspiration. Thank you for sharing so much. I'm thankful to have you as my Sunflower angel!

I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas! May you feel the Love & all the joy during this holiday season.

Love you! xo

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

12:52 PM, December 24, 2009  
Blogger Jude said...

Thank you Xavier, you are such a blessing! I hope you have a memorable Christmas surrounded by those who love you; and if you're missing snow come on up here for a hug and we can make Snow Angels! Love you! xoxox

1:23 PM, December 24, 2009  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Jude!

9:24 PM, December 24, 2009  
Blogger Jude said...

And the same for you Jer, God bless!

9:55 PM, December 24, 2009  

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