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Post by fernwood on Dec 21, 2019 8:23:44 GMT -5
My Grandma utilized a wheelchair, due to Polio. The local Church had stairs, so she could not attend services. She would always tune the old Zenith Radio into a station to listen to a service.
It was Christmas morning, 1960's. This year, the day fell on a Sunday. There had been a lot of snow overnight. The guys (my Grandpa and Uncle) had cleared our driveway and were doing AM farm chores.
All of a sudden, many pick up trucks arrived. I saw many people I knew from Church getting out. They walked into our enclosed porch. Began singing Christmas Carols. My Mom opened the door and invited them in.
Our living room could easily fit over 20 people.
My Grandma always prepared for unexpected guests around Christmas. There was a variety of breads made. Some canned cocoa that could be quickly heated on the wood stove. My Mom started preparing some items for our guests.
After a few songs, the Church Pastor, pulled out his Bible. He told my Grandma since very few people could make it to Church, everyone decided to hold the service in her living room.
My Grandma was overwhelmed. Told me to get the guys from the barn. They stopped milking and came into the house.
As I remember, everyone stayed for a couple of hours.
Thinking back, the snow probably had nothing to do with it. The congregation brought presents for my entire family. All I can remember is yarn and embroidery floss for my Grandma. A new coat for my Grandpa. New boots for my Uncle.
I do remember it as one of my most special Christmas's as a child.
Please post any of your Christmas memories as a child.
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Post by rockjunquie on Dec 21, 2019 17:20:52 GMT -5
I have 2.
My Dad was a sailor and was often away. He was scheduled to be gone the year in question. My brother and sister were still quite young and anxious for Santa to come. Me, I was a jaded teen, who could care less about Santa. But, that Christmas Eve, there was a commotion outside with sleigh bells, footsteps on the roof and many deep Ho Ho Ho's. I thought it was cool my mom got someone to do that for that for the kids- they were so missing dad. But, as I expected the clamor to settle down, the door burst open and there stood Dad! This jaded teen cried. Santa brought what I wanted for Christmas.
One time, when my kids were very young and I was a struggling single mother of three, I was clothes shopping at the Salvation Army when an employee approached me and told me for 20 bucks he would slip my stuffed cart out the back door. I was incensed! The Salvation Army, I knew, hired people to rehabilitate them and teach them working skills. They were doing him a solid and this is how he repaid them? So, I checked out and got in contact with the local head and had a meeting where I basically narked the guy out. They identified him and fired him. Now, don't get me wrong- that guy's offer would have really helped me out. I was hurting. But, I wasn't on any assistance and chose instead to just barely get by. No phone, no car, no cable, no gas heat, etc. Just freakin' poor. So, during the course of our conversation, some of this came out.
A couple months later, it was Christmas time. As every poor person with kids knows, this is the worst time of year. I had my family and they helped out, but they could only help but so much. A couple days before Christmas a coupla trucks pulled up and a bunch of men jumped out. They came to my door and said they were there for Christmas. In marched a steady stream of very happy guys with tons and tons of groceries and wrapped gifts. I was flabbergasted and bawling like a baby at their generosity and timing. But, I did 't know why they were there. Turns out that the guy at the Salvation Army gave our name to a men's bible study group who agreed to sponsor my kids and I for Christmas. I have never in my life felt that way before or since. They were so kind and not in the least judgemental. Which, also, as any poor person knows, being poor can be degrading enough. All I felt was pure brotherly love. I could get addicted to that feeling. To this day, I ALWAYS help out the Salvation Army and I always look for meaningful ways to give. I learned a lot that day and I have not forgotten.
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Post by fernwood on Dec 22, 2019 3:43:36 GMT -5
rockjunquie What beautiful memories. When I was a 4-H Leader, our club would always adopt a couple families for Christmas. We would purchase all of the needed food for a Christmas dinner. A present for each family member. There were elves who helped us. The elves would submit an application listing info about the family and why they should be selected. The elves would often distract the selected families so we could drop off everything unseen. Shortly after the family returned, we would come back and sing Christmas Carols. We often received at least 6 applications. One I will never forget. A farm family. Mom was in the Military and was deployed in November. Dad worked full time, plus the farm. Three children, ages 11 and under. Dad had his Mom come to stay with them to help with the children and farm. Then his Mom became very ill and was hospitalized. Not only did we provide presents and food for all, but we sent a package to the deployed family member. The present for Dad was 6 "gift certificates" for farm help. Each certificate listed a club member who lived near his place. He could call the club member for farm help. Members and their families helped with milking, barn cleaning, feeding and other tasks. Some did grocery shopping. The family ended up joining our 4-H club. They wanted their children to be part of helping others. The Dad ended up being a project leader. Mom helped with many activities. A little kindness goes a long way.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Dec 22, 2019 13:53:15 GMT -5
Eleven minutes, but definitely worth watching.
Christmas Memories Toys and Music from the 1950s and 60s
I realize I am dating myself, but I remember all of these things!
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Post by fernwood on Dec 22, 2019 17:05:52 GMT -5
Very strange. I clicked play on the above. My computer screen went white. No way to restart it, as the CTRL/ALT/Del did not respond. I had to manually turn computer off and back on.
I had the metal puzzle toys.
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Post by knave on Dec 22, 2019 17:12:42 GMT -5
Very nice stories. Some of my favorite Christmas childhood memories was my cousins coming to visit, we would go on sleigh rides and go to the sledding hill. Grandma always had a huge meal with lots of people and gifts. So exciting and so much fun.
But alas.... as an adult I now realize that food doesn’t make itself, the house doesn’t clean itself, and someone had to go out and buy all those gifts! Hmmm.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Dec 22, 2019 18:37:06 GMT -5
Very strange. I clicked play on the above. My computer screen went white. No way to restart it, as the CTRL/ALT/Del did not respond. I had to manually turn computer off and back on. I had the metal puzzle toys. I don't know what to tell you. The video link came off of YouTube, Im pretty sure they keep a close look at posted videos for malware, etc. Perhaps it is your slow computer? I went to pay a T-Mobile bill online a couple days ago. Their website would not let me log in, said it did not have any information on that account. WTH?? So I called, spoke with a living, breathing human being. She asked what browser I was using, I told her Chrome. She said that was what they recommended. Then she had me clean my cache. That took care of the problem. I mostly use IE for surfing the net, so I clear the cache frequently. Chrome I only use for paying a few bills, so don't clear it all the time. You should also delete cookies frequently. Would like to hear if anyone else has problems with this video.
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Dec 22, 2019 19:47:13 GMT -5
rockpickerforever it worked for me just fine. Absolutely loved hearing Alvin and the Chipmunks. I was singing along and Vince was looking at me like I was goofy. We had the album as kids -- my younger sister still has it.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Dec 22, 2019 19:49:10 GMT -5
rockpickerforever it worked for me just fine. Absolutely loved hearing Alvin and the Chipmunks. I was singing along and Vince was looking at me like I was goofy. We had the album as kids -- my younger sister still has it.
Who didn't? Lol.
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Post by rockjunquie on Dec 22, 2019 20:13:24 GMT -5
No problemo.
I think I remember like 95% of those. Simpler times....
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Post by rockpickerforever on Dec 22, 2019 20:26:51 GMT -5
Yeah, kind of what I expected, rockjunquie. I no longer have the skates, but bet I could come up with the key for them. I also remember using the key for a hopscotch marker.
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Post by rockjunquie on Dec 22, 2019 22:07:45 GMT -5
Yeah, kind of what I expected, rockjunquie . I no longer have the skates, but bet I could come up with the key for them. I also remember using the key for a hopscotch marker. Don't have the skates or key anymore, but I have the scar on my chin from when I face planted with them. LOL!
One of my favs from that vid and one I hadn't thought of in forever was that little metal rocket that you put caps in and throw in the air. Loved those things! Loved anything with caps. About 20 years ago, I bought a nice set of metal cowboy cap guns because I just knew one of these days you wouldn't be able to get them. I haven't checked recently, but it wouldn't surprise me if you can't get them now.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Dec 22, 2019 22:54:25 GMT -5
Yeah, I remember those metal bombs you'd throw up in the air. Younger people these days probably can not even begin to understand how a toy without batteries could possibly hold a child's imagination
Did you see the silver rocket standing upright? It is an old style bank. Bob still has the one he had as a kid, standing on the top of a bookcase in his room! Looks like this: Photo found online, not an actual photo of his rocket.
There was so much good shit from back in those days, it's no wonder many of us have become class "A" Hoarders! Reminds me of a joke goes something like this: I used to be a millionaire, until my mom threw away my baseball cards (comic books, etc.). We never used to throw anything away, and because toys and such were made so well, they generally lasted forever! (Unless you were an overly abusive child with your toys.)
I'm gonna have to watch that video, see if there are other things I missed.
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Post by rockjunquie on Dec 22, 2019 23:18:42 GMT -5
Yeah, I remember those metal bombs you'd throw up in the air. Younger people these days probably can not even begin to understand how a toy without batteries could possibly hold a child's imagination
Did you see the silver rocket standing upright? It is an old style bank. Bob still has the one he had as a kid, standing on the top of a bookcase in his room! Looks like this: Photo found online, not an actual photo of his rocket.
There was so much good shit from back in those days, it's no wonder many of us have become class "A" Hoarders! Reminds me of a joke goes something like this: I used to be a millionaire, until my mom threw away my baseball cards (comic books, etc.). We never used to throw anything away, and because toys and such were made so well, they generally lasted forever! (Unless you were an overly abusive child with your toys.)
I'm gonna have to watch that video, see if there are other things I missed. Yeah, bomb- that's better than rocket. LOL! I was a hoarder for years and had so many of my childhood things. I think all I have left is an original troll doll with all it's hair. I had so much cool stuff. My dad traveled a lot, so we had some neat things- especially from Japan in the 60's and early 70's. But, every pay day we went for ice cream and the toy store. We all got something. I don't know how they did it on Dad's pay with 4 kids, but we really never went without the toys we wanted. I had a killer Barbie collection and the Little Kiddles. Had Crissy, too. (with the growing hair) Of course, I had some sweet marbles, too. I was really good at it and ended up with all the neighborhood kids' marbles. LOL! And then there was the trading. Mom had a strict rule about trading, but she didn't have to know everything.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Dec 22, 2019 23:57:47 GMT -5
I felt the same as you growing up, Tela rockjunquie. Don't know how my parents raised six kids on a single income back then. But we never went for want.
I remember the doll with the growing hair - didn't she have like a key to turn a spool in her belly to wind it up on? Never got into Barbies, or other regular dolls for that matter. But the trolls were another thing entirely, lol. Loved the trolls!
Lots of marbles, have many of them now (hoarder). My parent's front yard slopes down to the street, which also slopes down the hill. The last few years have seen gophers digging tunnels into it like crazy. More than a few marbles have reached the surfaced by their subterranean actions! I wipe the dirt off them, bring them home and pop them into an old one gallon fish bowl. Where the rest of them reside!
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Post by Pat on Dec 23, 2019 0:27:32 GMT -5
Thanks for the toys video. I remember most of them. Loved my skates and jacks. My dad made me a scooter out of scrap wood. I was amazed. And stilts! Remember those. Lots of fun. : )
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Post by fernwood on Dec 23, 2019 4:13:37 GMT -5
A Little Kiddles memory: Shortly before Christmas, one of the latches broke on my Little Kiddles playland carry case. I insisted that it be left for Santa to fix.
Christmas morning, I checked, hoping to find it good as new. There was a note that said Santa tried. But the elves did the toy making. He apologized and did the best he could.
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Post by rockjunquie on Dec 23, 2019 12:53:14 GMT -5
I felt the same as you growing up, Tela rockjunquie . Don't know how my parents raised six kids on a single income back then. But we never went for want.
I remember the doll with the growing hair - didn't she have like a key to turn a spool in her belly to wind it up on? Never got into Barbies, or other regular dolls for that matter. But the trolls were another thing entirely, lol. Loved the trolls!
Lots of marbles, have many of them now (hoarder). My parent's front yard slopes down to the street, which also slopes down the hill. The last few years have seen gophers digging tunnels into it like crazy. More than a few marbles have reached the surfaced by their subterranean actions! I wipe the dirt off them, bring them home and pop them into an old one gallon fish bowl. Where the rest of them reside!
If I remember right, the key was on her back. I got her the year my birthday fell on Thanksgiving. Remember it well.
I had as many girl toys as boy toys. I was basically a Tom Boy. What I enjoyed about Barbies was making houses for them out of whatever random stuff I could get my hands on. My mom used to let me empty and bring out dresser drawers to use, too- which, I would NEVER have let my girls do. I still can't believe she let me do it.
I was crafty, too and went through one medium after the other. Remember string art? Really big back in the day. I loved making candles, too.
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Post by rockjunquie on Dec 23, 2019 12:58:24 GMT -5
A Little Kiddles memory: Shortly before Christmas, one of the latches broke on my Little Kiddles playland carry case. I insisted that it be left for Santa to fix. Christmas morning, I checked, hoping to find it good as new. There was a note that said Santa tried. But the elves did the toy making. He apologized and did the best he could. One year, when my kids were little, I took my son to Palm Beach from Virginia with a friend and her kids (my son's best friend). My ex took the girls to Ohio. We went to Disney World for Christmas on a shoestring budget. My son thought he died and went to heaven! LOL! ANYWAY.... we visited a friend of her family. They had a daughter my age, maybe a little older. She was mentally deficient in some way. She still had and played with all the toys I had when I was a kid. All in pristine condition! I nearly lost my mind as she pulled out all of my fond memories. It was nuts- like someone turned back the hands of time.
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