The Holidays of My Childhood

Decorations set, making ready, cleaning and straightening the house

Grandma’s crocheted snowflake ornaments with beads and glitter swirling

Wooden Nativity scene that Grandpa carved placed beneath the tree

Record player spinning, singing along to vintage Christmas carols joyful

Stuffed stockings above the hearth, pine sap snapping, fire crackling

Cookie cutters floured, gingerbread dough, bourbon balls rolling off the kitchen table

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Baked beans, candied sweet potatoes, macaroni au gratin upon the table

Delightful smells of cinnamon, maple, sage, and roasting meats fill the house

Sugarcoated Jordan almonds in their festive colors, confectionary shells crackling

Velvety mashed potatoes with silken gravy and melted butter swirling

The whole family there, hugs and kisses, merriment joyful

Stringing popcorn for garlands, twisting them around the tree

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Cats chewing on the ribbon curls of presents under the tree

Dogs eyeing up the cornbread stuffing with sausage on the table

The parrot bobbing along with the music joyful

Mulled wine and rum make for dancing around the house

Christmas lights frame the windows, outside gentle snow is swirling

Sparkling grape juice for the children, poured and crackling

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The parrot saying, “Merry Christmas” for a crumbled cookie crackling

Cats climbing in the limbs, batting down ornaments from the tree

Hot cups of coffee to stay awake, cream and sugar swirling

Playing board games, puzzle pieces scattered over a folding table

Reruns of I Love Lucy on TV, laughter filling the house

Children sneaking secret sips of eggnog spiked, innocent mischief joyful

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Dumping out the stockings, whole walnuts in the toe, smiles joyful

Smashing chocolate oranges, breaking peanut brittle, ribbon candy crackling

Children making snow angels, white boot prints around the house

Shaking and guessing contents of presents under the tree

Looking for a scrumptious treat, dogs begging under the table

A slice of pumpkin pie with luscious whipped cream swirling

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Bundled under cozy blankets, patterns of Santa with a sleigh and reindeer swirling

Reading “The Night Before Christmas,” children’s eyes big and joyful

Bowls of peppermint ice cream melting at the kitchen table

Opening gifts, ribbon flying, wrapping paper crackling

Dogs curled up, sleeping under the tree

Catching up with family crowded in the house

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Grown now, but still the family house; my children in the kitchen, by my side swirling

Hanging hand-made ornaments upon the tree; memories brought back joyful

Popcorn for fresh garlands crackling; gathered around the same table